Dialogue Journal Writing with Nonnative English Speakers

Book excerpt: These materials address the use of dialogue journal writing in teaching speakers of English as a Second Language. Included is a handbook for teachers that provides background information and specific suggestions for classroom use, and an instructional packet for teachers and workshop leaders. The handbook contains chapters on: what constitutes a dialogue journal, including variations in format; the benefits of dialogue journal writing; using dialogue journals with students at various levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced writers); specific procedures for starting journals; strategies for maintaining the student-teacher dialogue; and strategies for handling specific communication problems. An additional chapter profiles four individual student writers. Lists of resources and additional readings are appended. The instructional packet is intended for use in workshops on dialogue journal writing, and contains: an abstract for use in proposing such a workshop; simple guidelines for leading the workshop, including group activities; masters for over 30 overhead transparencies; sample student journal entries from elementary and secondary students, to which workshop participants can respond; handouts for workshop participants; and background information for the presenter. (MSE)