With all the conversation about traditional and non-traditional essays, did anyone consider which one we stress more. Sadly to say, I've focused more on traditional. Any one tell students to "show what you know"? That statement certainly limits writing for us all.
I worry more about the process but feel like if I don't get to the product it's too hard to assess the whole project - so I push for the final traditional piece - maybe I won't anymore
ReplyDeleteI agree, I really learned a lot about what we should be focusing on as teachers of writing. It's like Don said, It's is about the journey as much as the destination. I can't wait to try out these ideas on my students. They will be so much more willing to write.
ReplyDeleteRon - I'm not sure that I agree that "showing what you know" limits the student's writing. For the student who thinks that they can't write anything, this is at least a starting point for them. Some students have to have those qualifiers to get them started and then we can help them build from there. I've had students that even getting them to write one sentence is an accomplishment - and they've showed me what they know...at that time. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI would even call using these ideas we're learning taking a chance. Reading and writing are improved by reading and writing. (Yes, that does make sense.) If student feel that are accomplishing something that benefits them they'll do it. The nontraditional writing seem to be a more fulfilling venture.
ReplyDeleteRevision note: Make that "I wouldn't even...
ReplyDeleteIt was also interesting to me that writing can be placed almost anywhere on the continuum depending on the goal(s) of the teacher. Hey, Guys, we are really important. My goal is to incorporate more thinking into developing questions to accomplish those indicator goals.
ReplyDeleteNice to know that a paper can incorporate BOTH traditional and L2W types.