Dialectic Journal

                  This is a specific type of reading journal, following the format of “Cornell”   notes.  It is particularly valuable in all academic areas requiring close reading of textual material because:

·       it focuses the student’s attention on the material being read and requires interaction with the text material

·       The results provide support evidence for students who are required to write about their reading

Caveat:  This description is for the first time use of this technique with a class.  It requires some patience and practice, and you may encounter some student opposition and foot-dragging along the way; but for the students who persevere, the results will be well worth the effort.

PREPARATION FOR ACTIVITY

·       Create a sample entry sheet for each student.  It should be bisected vertically, creating two columns.  The first column might be headed “note-taking”; the second, “note-making”.

·       Distribute the sample entry sheet and request the students to enter the date at the top of the page.

·       Directing the students’ attention to the assigned text materials, require the students to make entries in the “note-taking” column from the actual text.

Ø     The student may cite the entry by writing the first and last words from the passage under consideration

Ø     The student may indicate the paragraph by number

·       Opposite each cited passage (in the “Note-taking) column, record any comment or question bout it.

Ø     Ask a question

Ø     Argue with the statement

Ø     Suggest an answer

Ø     Pose a further question

·       Instruct the student to summarize the work at the end of each reading session by writing a short paragraph across the page beneath the columned entries.

·       If a student is to continue with the same material at a later date, instruct the student to draw a line beneath the completed previous work and dontinue by dating the next entry.