Dialectical Journal

Guide

 

A Dialectical Journal is a method of responding freely to information by keeping a two columned journal, writing the information on one side and your response to that information on the other.     

 

Rationale:  Research demonstrates that evaluating the information and associating information with knowledge that is relevant increases assigned meaning and retention.

 

Instructions:  Divide a journal or a piece of paper into two columns.  Label the left column “Information” and the second column “Response.”  Make at least ten responses from a broad range of topics within the unit. 

 

General Guidelines

 

·         Make deep insights that are not explicitly stated in the textbook or by the teacher

·         Use different types of connections

·         Write about what you think and feel

·         Analogize

·         Convey any “lesson’s learned”

Dialectical Journal Rubric

possible points

expectations

Specifics

Op1

Op2

Op3

points earned

N/A

Breadth

Responds to various topics within unit

 

 

 

 

5

Insight

Shows ability to infer

 

 

 

 

Applies information to current day issues

Makes analogies

Makes at least

5

Emotion

Reveals personal, emotional responses

 

 

 

 

N/A

Completeness

Makes ten to fifteen responses

 

 

 

 

10-15

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dialectical Journal Example

 

As of yet there is no example.