Congenerative Dialogues:

A Tool For Change in the Science Classroom

By Michele Dixon

What are Cogenerative Dialogues?

Conversations about a shared experience between participants.

Goal driven to define problem and implement changes collectively.

Guided by Criteria of rules.Collaborative resolutions. Reflective outcomes.

Setting Up

Video tape a lessonCreate clips of segments of lesson

Picking A Group

Small to permit all to speak and be heardSelect participants based on differences

of achievement level, race, or genderStudents should want to participate and

don’t feel obligated

Starting the Conversation

Explain the project goals and invite students to participate:

We are all here to learn something. We are learning from one another and will share what we have

learned. We want to change things when we can make a positive difference

in teaching and learning in our classroom. We are trying to make sure no one is hurt.

“What happens in Cogen stays in Cogen”

Identifying A Need For Change

Students view clips of segments from the lesson.

Write down observations on clipboards. Talk about what we observed.

Creating A Solution

Teacher and students work together, share ideas, and collectively come up with a plan of action.

Implementing the Solution

Students present the plan of action to classmates.

Enacting the Plan

Class tries the idea.

Analyze Video

Cogen group watches selves, class, and lesson for indicators of change

Reflection

Cogen group discusses observations and collectively decides next steps.

Benefits for Teachers

Learn from others about their practice. Identify practices about self which may

not be aware.Perspective of others become object of

reflection.Learn a new way to give and gain

respect from students.

Outcomes

Improved learning environment. Improved strategies for teaching

everyone in the science classroom.Collective responsibility for creating

change in science class.

Thanks Room 219! Students are not “subjects” in Cogen studies!

They are also the researchers!