S6 Slides_Planning for L2 writing instruction

Planning for L2 Writing Instruction

  • Course: EDUC2022, FED, UM

  • Instructor: Zhicheng Mao

Analyzing Students’ Writing Needs

  • Goals and Objectives of Writing:

    • Understand why writing is taught

    • Plan writing syllabus

    • Implement writing syllabus effectively

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze students’ writing needs

  • Integrate insights into writing instruction planning

  • Understand goals and objectives of writing

  • Acquire techniques to design and implement writing curriculum

Lead-in Questions

  • Is there an English writing curriculum in your school?

  • Teachers' adherence to syllabus/scheme of work?

  • Knowledge of local curriculum recommendations

Definitions

  • Curriculum: Overall set of courses and educational experiences in a program of study

  • Syllabus: Document outlining topics, objectives, and requirements of a subject

  • Scheme of Work: Schedule for what will be covered, includes unit planning

Context of Writing Needs: Macau/Mainland

  • Roles of English Writing:

    • Tests and exams (e.g., JAE, Gaokao, HKDSE)

    • Academic writing at the tertiary level

    • Workplace correspondence

Functions of Writing

  • Communication

  • Self-expression

  • Self-discovery

  • Writing as a learning tool

  • State of writing serving these functions in your context?

Students' Motivation and Attitude

  • Generally low motivation towards English writing

  • Factors demotivating students:

    • Irrelevant topics

    • Discouraging feedback

    • Lack of access to quality instruction

Constraints in Writing Development

  • Lack of time

  • Insufficient quality instruction

  • Exam culture focusing on scores

Goals and Objectives of Writing Instruction

  • Proficiency and confidence in writing

  • Development of a good writing habit

  • Discovery of joy in writing

  • Development of a unique voice in writing

Relevant Skills for Writing Instruction

  • Specify purpose, audience, and context for tasks

  • Idea generation techniques

  • Rapid drafting and editing texts

  • Evaluate own and others’ writing

Structuring the Writing Syllabus

  • Organizing units of work based on:

    • Themes

    • Genres

    • Contexts/Situations

Implementing the Writing Syllabus

  • Integration of syllabus into overall language instruction

  • Teaching through themes, genres, or situations

Recap of Topics Covered

  • Needs analysis in writing

  • Writing goals

  • Syllabus content and implementation strategies

Reading Assignments

  • Lee, I. (2017). Classroom writing assessment and feedback in L2 school contexts. Springer.

  • Chapters 6: Teacher Feedback in L2 Writing

Questions and Comments?

  • Thanks for participating!