Cogenerative Dialogues (“cogens”) are conversations in which educators and students come together to discuss the classroom experience. The goal of these cogens is to jointly construct a plan of action for improving the classroom experience, including classroom culture and instruction. The shared classroom experiences of teachers and students provide the material from which cogens start, as teachers invite students to discuss something that they all know about — their thoughts about the classroom. The invitation is extended as part of the teachers’ concern for the students and the classroom environment. It is not a requirement, a punishment, or a plea for help. It is a call for the students to share their opinions and expertise in a joint effort to understand. The setting for the cogens is usually a classroom arranged so that participants sit in a circle. The cogen groups outside of class time to discuss challenges or to glean insight about students. These conversations turn up some profound insights into the nature of the classroom because students and the teacher discuss what they see in the classroom, and the personal experiences of participants (things often left unsaid or ignored) are brought to the forefront.

Cogenerative dialogues (cogens) are structured, reflective conversations between the teacher and a small group of dissimilar students that can help the teacher communicate effectively across cultural, social, ethnic and economic boundaries.

Here is a quick start guide to help you use cogenerative dialogues, a learner centered tool, in your classroom and increase student engagement.