Havruta in Action: 8 Dialogue Methods to Wake Your Metacognition

Introduction: Time to Grow with a Partner

In the previous chapter, I mentioned ‘Havruta’ as one of the best ways to increase metacognition. However, when trying to apply it to class, the vague feeling of “What should I make them talk about?” comes first. Havruta is not just a time to chat. It is a time when thinking expands within a sophisticatedly designed structure of questioning and dialogue. Here are 8 practical Havruta models that can be used immediately in the classroom.

01. Question Havruta

As the most basic activity, it is to make questions after seeing the text (textbook, book, video, etc.).

Method:
1. Read the text individually and make 3 questions each (fact-checking questions, imagination questions, application questions, etc.).
2. Ask and answer each other’s questions with a partner.
3. Select the best question among the two and present it.
Point: Good questions make good answers. It becomes practice to raise the level of questions.

02. Teaching Friends Havruta

It is an activity to explain what one has understood to a partner.

Method:
1. After listening to the teacher’s explanation or self-study, divide roles with a partner (teacher/student).
2. The partner who took the role of ‘teacher’ explains what they learned. The ‘student’ role asks questions about parts they don’t understand.
3. Switch roles and proceed.
Point: The part where you get stuck while explaining is exactly the part you don’t know (metacognition working).

03. Creating Evidence Havruta

It is a logical thinking training to provide valid grounds for arguments.

Method:
1. The teacher presents one argument. (e.g. “Heungseon Daewongun’s isolation policy was justified.”)
2. Find more than 3 reasons (evidence) why the argument is valid with a partner.
3. Conversely, also find reasons why the argument is not valid (counterargument).
Point: It makes them think based on logical grounds, not unconditional agreement or criticism.

04. Argument-Centered Havruta

Conduct in-depth discussions on topics with conflicting pros and cons.

Method:
1. Select a topic with clear pros and cons. (e.g. “Zoos should be abolished.”)
2. Decide on pros/cons with a partner (it is better to decide by rock-paper-scissors and defend that position even if it is different from one’s own thoughts).
3. Attack and defend each other’s positions and argue fiercely.
4. Switch positions and argue again.
Point: The thinking power of ‘putting oneself in other’s shoes’ is cultivated by thinking from the opponent’s perspective.

05. Character Argument Havruta

Evaluate the actions of historical figures or characters in novels.

Method:
1. Take the action or choice of a specific character as a topic. (e.g. “Is Simcheong falling into the Indangsu sea filial piety or unfilial piety?”)
2. Discuss the motives and results of that action with a partner.
Point: You come to understand the character’s values and situation stereoscopically.

06. Comparison Havruta

Compare two objects and find similarities and differences.

Method:
1. Select two objects to compare. (e.g. “Silla’s unification of the Three Kingdoms vs Goryeo’s unification of the Later Three Kingdoms”)
2. Find similarities and differences with a partner using Venn diagrams, etc., and record them.
Point: It helps to understand knowledge by structuring it rather than fragmenting it individually.

07. Problem Making Havruta

Students become examiners themselves.

Method:
1. Each person makes important questions likely to appear on the test from what they learned today. (Both multiple choice and subjective questions possible)
2. Exchange questions with a partner and solve them.
3. Explain the intention of the question and the solution to each other.
Point: The ‘core grasping ability’ to identify what is important is cultivated.

08. Problem Solving Havruta

Collaborate to solve difficult problems.

Method:
1. Present advanced problems that are difficult to solve alone.
2. Put heads together with a partner and discuss solutions.
3. Explain and check the solution process of how it was solved to each other.
Point: “It works when we do it together!” You can taste the joy and sense of accomplishment of cooperative learning.

Conclusion

The core of Havruta is Thinking Aloud. Children’s brains dance more fiercely in a noisy classroom than in a quiet one. Today, please give a gift of time to ask a partner “What do you think?”.

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