Dialogue journal writing is a communicative language technique that can be used effectively in the English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classroom. In this approach, the teacher responds in writing to each journal entry by the student. It is a low-cost writing-fluency activity that is relatively easy to initiate and can provide an important bridge to the adult, English-discourse community. Student acquisition of writing skills under controlled conditions with individual attention is fostered. The technique can be used daily for intensive student/teacher interaction or less frequently for specific focus. Journal entries can be limited to class topics or include any issue of interest to the student. While the journals do not emphasize learning discrete language skills, they do teach vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, and the teacher's entries provide much comprehensible input. The method also de-emphasizes traditional student and teacher roles, since communication is the priority. In recent years there have been significant research findings supporting the use of dialogue journals as a teaching method for ESL students. (MSE)