Until reading the article and chapter 8 I hadn't heard much about writing to learn. After learning more about it, I discovered that it is a great teaching concept. Not only can it help improve students writing skills and knowledge, but it can improve subject content knowledge and reading comprehension. I enjoyed reading the different strategies and I learned many new ones. Biopoems were one of my favorites, because used for so many different topic and subjects.
When the class discussed the article, I noticed that many people have bad feeling towards the check lists the article discussed. I personally feel that check lists are an excellent resource for students who struggle with writing. It also helps students write to learn, because it directs them towards important information. I need a checklist when writing, because if not I am a nervous wreck thinking I am not doing the project or writing correctly.
Reagan, I agree with you about bio-poems. They really are a lot of fun. I think that encouraging students to write will help build their knowledge. You also make a really great point about checklists. I think check lists are a good thing as well because some students cannot work well without guidance.I know that I occasionally need a check list to go by to ensure that I am doing the assignment correctly but I like to free write as well. Let’s face it though, there is not much free writing going on in schools now a days. I do think it is good to give students a chance to just write, so to speak. Great job though Reagan.
ReplyDeleteHi Reagan, thoughtful comment about your personal connection with checklists. I find I like them myself, and I can deviate for creativity when I'm feeling confident or think I have that freedom. We'll experience checklists and rubrics firsthand, and the differences we see between the two. I thought our class discussion was an interesting one, too. We'll see if anybody changes their ideas as they experience them firsthand. Last thing, I found myself wanting more from your posting, some bite into the reading, not necessarily as evidence you read it all (but that too), but more for readers to bite into. Give more depth with your thinking, or hit on a few different topics for a scattering of thoughts for us. I'll also add tend to agree with Krystal, writing seems to get a back seat in schools (unless it's for the 7th grade writing assessment). Thanks, Dr B
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