TEACHING WRITING

What is Writing?

  • Definition: Creation of written discourse by forming sentences into a coherent text.

  • Purpose: Consolidates language components such as vocabulary, syntax, and functions.

  • Skill Reinforcement: Involves gathering information through observation, reading, listening, and conversation.

Importance of Writing for Students

  • Techniques Acquisition: Teaches effective writing techniques.

  • Skill Development: Instills specific skills applicable to various writing forms.

  • Error Familiarization: Helps students learn common writing mistakes.

  • Tailored Skills: Develops specific skills for unique writing demands.

  • Communication: Allows conveying information or ideas using contextually relevant language and formats.

Types and Mechanics of Writing

  • Mechanics:

    • Punctuation

    • Transitional expressions

    • Capitalization

    • Spelling

    • Handwriting

Writing as a Process

Pre-Writing

  • Activities: Planning, brainstorming, free-writing, outlining, discussions.

  • Researching: Understanding purpose and audience.

Writing Stages

  1. Planning: Define writing purpose and audience.

  2. Drafting: Creating the first draft, focusing on ideas and paragraphs.

  3. Editing: Revising and re-writing for clarity and coherence.

Writing as a Product

  • Initial Stage: Mimicking model texts to develop understanding.

  • Stages of Product Approach:

    1. Reading model texts.

    2. Controlled practice activities.

    3. Organizing ideas.

Writing Skills

  • Orthography: Correct script, spelling, and punctuation.

  • Forms and Structure: Appropriate word forms and arrangement.

  • Style and Coherence: Maintaining an appropriate style for audience and genre.

Quick Writing

  • Definition: A strategy to enhance writing fluency and reflect on learning.

  • Purpose:

    • Activate prior knowledge.

    • Encourage reflection and critical thinking.

    • Organize ideas for comprehension.

    • Assess student knowledge.

Writing Process Approach

  • Stages:

    1. Pre-Writing: Brainstorming and organizing main ideas.

    2. Drafting: Writing paragraphs focusing on communication.

    3. Revision: Checking flow and reorganizing content.

    4. Editing: Correcting spelling and grammar errors.

    5. Publishing: Presenting the final product to an audience.

Correcting Writing

Traditional Methods

  • Direct Correction: Teacher corrects essays focusing on form and content.

  • Feedback: Often limited to crossing mistakes and giving grades.

Alternative Methods

  • Engagement: Involve students in the correction process.

  • Methods:

    • Selective correction: Focus on key areas.

    • Signposting: Indicate mistakes for students to correct.

    • Correction Code: Use symbols to indicate specific issues.

Types of Correction

  • Individual Self-Correction: Students identify and correct their own mistakes.

  • Peer Correction: Students exchange papers and provide feedback.

  • Whole-Class Correction: Address common mistakes collectively.

Remedial Work

  • Remedial Teaching: Offer further explanations to address repeated errors.

  • Aim: Engage students in their own writing corrections.