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 lesson Create clips of segments of lesson

Picking A Group Small to permit all to speak and be heard Select participants based on differences of achievement level, race, or gender Students 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!