> Why does the [monologic] essay have to be "replaced"? Isn't there
> enough room for more than one form of discourse?
Of course, or, sometimes yes sometimes no.
> In other words, it seems like you lean toward an 'either/or'
> view, Bob,
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I'd hate to be pigeon-holed as strictly a
conversational kind of guy, as someone who's always averse to taking a
stand, Greg. :)
I'm interested in hearing why the essay *shouldn't* be replaced as the
center of educational practice. As Brent mentioned I think, there are
plenty of opportunities "to monologue" within a dialogical format, so
there's your both/and. Dialogueing within a monological format seems
more problematic to me. For example, the computer screen I am now
looking at allows me to monologue-in-dialogue quite easily. There's your
both/and again. On the other hand If I turn around and try to dialogue
within the monological format of my television screen I'm likely to be
frustrated. *Less* of a both/and there.
I think, in other words, it's important to distinguish between a
format/structure and a type of activity, just in order to avoid confusion.
When "the essay" is used to structure our educational practices I'm
not in favor of it. That's just my vote. "A monologue" within a
dialogical format/structure? Sure, I'd not vote to remove that option.
What about you?
Bob King