Using the Dialectic Response Journal to Analyze a Letter

1.  Create four columns in your notebook. 

2.  Reserve column one for "note-taking."  As you read the letter, write

• a quote
• a summary
• a question you have about the text

3.  Reserve column two for your response to column one:

• think about the significance of what you have written
• think about the author's purpose
• What is causing you to have this question about the text?

4.  Reserve column three for a response from another person ( exchange notebooks with a partner)

• partner agrees/disagrees
• partner can extend on your response
• partner may pose a question

5.  Reserve column four for "What I'm thinking Now"  (partner returns your notebook to you)

• What ideas were solidified?
• Were any new questions raised?
• Were any questions answered?
• What new ideas do you have now?

Urbanski, C (2006). Using the workshop approach in the high school english classroom, modeling effective writing, reading and thinking strategies for student success. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.