Description
The “save the last word for me” dialogue method requires all learners to participate as both active speakers and active listeners. Working in groups of three, learners follow a pattern of sharing and discussing their responses to a piece of content. By creating a clear format for the discussion, this method encourages reserved learners to share their ideas and ensures that frequent speakers practice being quiet. It can be a useful method for assisting learners in debriefing a reading or film.
Implementation
- Select a Text: Identify a reading or excerpt that will catalyze this learning activity.
- Learners Read and Respond to Text: Have learners read or view the selected text. Ask learners to highlight three sentences that especially stood out for them and write each sentence on the front of an index card. On the back, they must write a few sentences explaining why they chose that quote—what it meant to them, what it reminded them of, etc.
- Learners Share in Groups: Divide the learners into groups of three, labeling one learner A, one B, and the other C in each group. Invite the learners to read one of their chosen quotations to their group. Then learners B and C discuss the quote. What do they think it means? Why do they think these words may be applicable? To whom? After several minutes, ask the A learners to read the back of their card (or to explain why they picked the quotation), thus having “the last word.” This process continues with the B learners sharing and then the C learners.
Modifications
- Utilizing Images: This same process can be used with images instead of quotations. You could give learners a collection of posters, paintings, and photographs from the period you are studying and then ask learners to select three images that stand out to them. On the back of an index card, learners must explain why they chose this image and what they think it embodies or why it is essential.
- Utilizing Questions: Ask learners to think about three probing questions the content raises for them. Learners answer the question on the back of their card. In small groups, learners select one of their questions for the other two learners to discuss.
