Writing as Learning Tool
Lutz, A Guide to Writing in the Liberal Arts
  • The first step in using writing in your courses is to change your attitude about writing and the writer. Consider:
-how writing is taught.
-how writing is learned
-how writing is used.
-how writing is actually written.
-what writing is and is not.
  • Mistakes to avoid when using writing as a Mode of Learning:
  1. Writing is not "grammar," nor is it editing.
  2. Using writing as a mode of learning involves more than making a writing assignment every now and then.
  3. Moreover, grading writing assignments involves more than meticulously marking every little error on a student paper.
  4. Grading writing involves more than reading a piece of writing only for "content" and ignoring all other aspects of writing.

  • The following is a list of some common mistakes many instructors make when using writing as a mode of learning:
  • Emphasizing "grammar" instead of writing.
  • Emphasizing editing instead of writing.
  • Accepting first draft writing as writing.
  • Emphasizing "content" and ignoring writing.
  • Substituting the grading of papers for responding to writing.
  • Refusing to share authority by shifting responsibility and ownership from the writer to the teacher.
  • Remaining unaware of research on writing and the teaching of writing.
  • Believing that all English faculty know and care about the teaching of writing, and that the teaching of writing is the sole responsibility of the English Department and no other department in the university.
  • Believing that in a history (or any other) course students should be graded only on their knowledge of history and not on their ability to express that knowledge in writing.
  • Believing that writing is a gift which some people have and others do not.
  • Failing to make clear, well-designed writing assignments.
  • Failing to consider the relationship of writing and thinking, and writing and learning.
  • Failing to establish & apply clear standards for the evaluation of writing assignments.

 

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