Teaching Academic Writing Reflecting on our Profession

Valerie Sartor

Let’s Question OurselvesI am a teacher because –

My students learn best when –

Schools are important because –

I teach writing because -

More QuestionsMy responsibility to my students is to –

My responsibility to my fellow teachers is to –

My responsibility to my institution is to –

My responsibility to my community is to –

And what about me?

My responsibility to myself as a teacher

is to –

My responsibility to myself as a person

is to -

Good Writing Teachers

Know their students = as a person and as

a writer

Seek professional development

Guide by the Sideor

Sage on the Stage?

What is my teaching style?

What is my approach toward students?

Entity TheoryBelief that You Can or

Can’t

Do I say: “You’re bright, you’re

talented”

Do I say: “You worked hard and did that

well”

Feedback for Writers

Writers need regular feedback that demonstrates they are actually progressing and learning

“How you can do better” feedback leads to increased self esteem and improvements

Learning Styles &

Multiple IntelligencesNot grounded in scientific evidence –but useful because people like to discuss themselves

Be careful when assigning any kind of label

Students who self assess and self report grades – this can be powerful and positive

Before Writing Begins

Carefully explain assignment

Carefully explain assessment rubric

Examples: Good/Acceptable/Unacceptable

Review criteria

If possible - jointly construct criteria

After Writing EndsStudents self-assess using rubric

Students assess each other

Teacher assesses work

Students and Teacher compare & discuss

One to one conferences

Direct Teaching Teacher orchestrates the lesson – not straight lecture

Teacher demonstrates key objectivesStudents attempt and receive feedbackTeacher reassesses, reinforcesStudents practice Review and closure

More about Feedback

From Teacher to Students

We learn by watching others

We learn by doing

We learn by demonstrating

We learn and improve by feedback

Regular constructive feedback

What Kind of Feedback? How is my writing satisfactory right now?

What do I need to be aware of to improve?

How does my writing compare with the standard I am striving toward?

How can I improve my writing? (MOST IMPORTANT)

Writing AssessmentsWhat are the methods we use now?

Are these assessment reliable? Why?

What is the link between our assessment and Student feedback?

Do our students understand the assessment and the feedback?

Types of AssessmentSummative and formativeWhen do we give feedback?Is it helpful; consistent; fair; & focused?

1. Focuses on particular aspects of writing

2. Is comprehensive

3. Consistent

4. And improvement oriented – How to write better

Alternative Assessment Idea

Stylistic device or Grammar Point:

Teacher models and demonstrates

Student teachers another student

Class offers feedback

Say, do & demonstrate = effective learning

Writing Activities Students retell story

Teacher and students use TPR

Read story repeatedly/ choral/pairs/singularly

Create story board

Teach sentence patterns

Writing Activities Students retell story

Teacher and students use TPR

Read story repeatedly/ choral/pairs/singularly

Create story board

Teach sentence patterns

Using QuestionnairesImproves critical thinking skills

Improves negotiation skills

Interaction with native speakers

Make them relevant to student interests

Students learn about 1st/2nd/ final drafts

QuestionnairesContain one big idea

Do not reflect bias

Are positive in content

Format easy to create and answer

Includes open ended and cloised answers

Cooperative Writing Activities

Groups – Each member has a role

Assessment both individual and group

Group experts / group runners / group tasks

Presentations shared by all

Peer assessment with rubric/courtesy

Thank you!QUESTIONS?