Argument as Conversation

Argument As Conversation

C3WP's ultimate goal for a student argument writer is a self-driven exploration of an issue that is important to them. To engage in such a sophisticated exploration, a writer needs to step into an ongoing conversation, find their place in it, and contribute their voice. Engaging in conversations with text sources is an important instructional step when students are learning to make informed arguments

Argument as Conversation provides an instructional process in which Upper Elementary students are invited to a metaphorical table where they "chat" with the experts in sources and then discuss with classmates how the source’s expert influences student thinking. Through teacher-guided conversation, students work in small groups to gather their thoughts, process information and begin learning how to contribute their own voices to a multi-perspective argument. Iterative and layered reading, conversation, and writing culminate in students drafting a claim informed by evidence and writing a kernel essay. This is a 4-day instructional resource.

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