Do Students Really Learn from Writing? [microform] / Joanne Kurfiss.
Studies on the Writing Across the Curriculum program indicate that writing is a valuable learning tool, and that writing about a specific content area presents unique problems which are best addressed by the content specialist. Two assumptions underlie this program: (1) writing can help students lea...
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| Format: | Microfilm Book |
| Language: | English |
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Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
1985.
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| Summary: | Studies on the Writing Across the Curriculum program indicate that writing is a valuable learning tool, and that writing about a specific content area presents unique problems which are best addressed by the content specialist. Two assumptions underlie this program: (1) writing can help students learn and think about content in any discipline, thus helping to achieve the goals of the instructor; and (2) writing used for learning does not require explicit teaching of writing--only the use of writing as a pedagogical tool. This highlights writing for the discipline's sake, not writing for its own sake. One characteristic of writing used in this way is that most or it is not graded, and only some of it is even examined by the instructor. Notetaking, "microthemes," and short essay study questions are helpful Writing Across the Curriculum strategies. One objection to Writing Across the Curriculum addresses the question of student motivation to complete non-graded assignments. However, once students see that they are writing for a clearly defined purpose related to their ultimate course grade, they are likely to complete the assignment. Writing instructors are not suggesting that professors in other disciplines teach writing; rather, they are asking other instructors to extend their efforts for the sake of all disciplines and students' success in them. (Ten references are appended.) (MM) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED293123. |
| Physical Description: | 4 pages. |
| Reproduction Note: | Microfiche. |
| Action Note: | committed to retain |
| Preferred Citation of Described Materials Note: | Writing Across the Curriculum, v3 n1 p3-4 Dec 1985. |