How Can You Stretch Students' Thinking?
Plato used dialogues as educational models to show how people inquire and learn. They were examples of how to teach so that students can learn-by stating and reflecting upon the implications of their opinions.
In Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, published in 1632, Galileo used dialouges to publicize his evidence that supported the Copernican system. His characters debated ideas and propositions about the solar system. Galileo was acccused and found guilty of heresy for writing this book.
To stretch students' thinking, have them study the importance of dialogue in teaching and learning. Encourage students to have written debates about controversial issues, practice defending or refuting their ideas, and use open-ended questions or prompts to encourage participation. The purpose of using dialogue journals is to expand students' thinking and help them communicate and articulate their ideas in written form.
Consider using a file in a portable word processor (e.g., AlphaSmart, Quick Pad, DreamWriter) as a designated place for dialogue journaling. Portable word processors are lightweight and simple to use and maintain in classrooms. Students may pass their word processor to their partner for sharing and response. Using a word processor may encourage reluctant writers to express themselves more fully. In addition, journals can easily be printed from word processors for future reference.
When Can You Use It?
Reading/English
After reading text, have students use dialogue journals or written conversations to respond to open-ended questions. For example, "Have you ever had an experience similar to one of the main character's experiences in this story? Did the story end as you thought it would? Is this piece similar to other pieces by the same author?"
Writing
When teaching writing, have students use dialogue journals as a peer-editing tool. For example, when teaching persuasive writing, have students use dialogue journals to develop and defend opinions. Dialogue journals can also be used as a pre-writing activity for more formal writing projects.
Math
After solving a math problem, have students use dialogue journals to discuss the strategy they used to solve the problem.
Social Studies
Social studies lessons can lead to meaningful discussions about other politics, cultures, parts of the world, and so on. Have students use dialogue journals to express viewpoints after reading about or experiencing such information.
Science
Many scientific discoveries are on the evening news each night and are considered controversial. Have students use dialogue journals to express their thoughts on one of these discoveries or another current scientific topic.
Lesson Plans
Dialogue Journals with Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Using a book by Judith Viorst, this lesson is designed for a third grade language arts classes beginning to explore the use of dialogue journals or written conversations.
