The “Systematicity” of Student Writing Errors
One of the more interesting things I’ve noticed over my years of teaching is the “systematicity” of developmental writers’ errors.
Matt Birkenhauer
August 3, 2010
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improving student writing skills
Good Job! The Importance of Writing More Meaningful Comments on Student Papers
When graded papers get a quick glance before being shoved into a backpack or deposited into the trash can on the way out of class, it’s often hard for teachers to summon the motivation to write lots of comments on papers. That’s why I was pleased to find evidence in two studies that students do value written comments on their work.
Maryellen Weimer, PhD
June 24, 2010
Meta-Collaboration: Writing with Students to Engage Learning
In one of my favorite A Midsummer Night’s Dream passages by William Shakespeare, Theseus comments on the creation of poetry. Informing us that the “poet’s eye” in a “fine frenzy rolling” glances from “heaven to earth, from earth to heaven,” we learn about the process of making sense of the world and composing something about it.
Dan Kulmala, PhD
January 25, 2010
Five Questions that Improve Student Writing
Before embarking on a writing assignment, I challenge my students to imagine a skeptical reader who expects them to answer five important questions. Answering these questions demands critical writing and thinking, and helps the students develop thoughtful content, efficient structure, and clear sentences.
Christopher Baker, PhD
January 11, 2010
Six Tips for Effective Writing Groups
By offering students a supportive group for writing assignments and research projects, students can form strong learning communities and feel less isolated when they see
Kathryn Linder M.A.
December 9, 2009
How to Give Effective Feedback on Student Writing Assignments
How often does this happen to you? You pore over students’ writing assignments, adding what you feel are insightful and encouraging comments throughout each paper. Comments you hope your students will take to heart and use to improve their writing next time around. Then you return the papers and the students quickly look at the grade and stuff the paper into their backpacks … perhaps mumbling something under their breath as they do.
Mary Bart
November 2, 2009
