Assigned Reading Reflections (Writing/Week12-3/30/2009)

This week, reading assignment was about teaching writing. H.D. Brown, book focused on three basic things.
1. What do good writers do?
Focus on Writing Goal (main idea)
Gauge audience
Take time to plan
Let their ideas flow onto paper
Follow general organizational plan as they write
Get and use feedback
Are not fixated on a particular surface structure
Revise their work (willingly & efficiently)
Make as many revisions as needed
These points give us an insight about the nature of writing ability.
2. Tips for Teaching Writing
Teach effective writing strategies
Balance both process and product
Allow for cultural and literary backgrounds
Connect reading and writing
Provide many opportunities for authentic writing
Use prewriting, drafting, revising stages
Provide opportunities for interaction (pair/group work)
Respond to writing sensitively
Provide clear instructions on rhetorical and formal conventions of writing
In my opinion these tips are really helpful in terms of teaching writing.
3. The third issue was about assessing writing
USE A RUBRIC
Create a checklist to ensure that you FAIRLY evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the writing, not the character or attitude of the writer.

I found these three points quite helpful to understand the nature of writing, how to teach it, and how to assess the writing.