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Mark Farrington
The first job of any writer is to get words down on paper, and teaching writing as process helps students gain the fluency, comfort and confidence they need to succeed at any writing task. But complex, comprehensive writing tasks often bring with them specific expectations and conventions the writer must address to be successful. This course will examine some of those more comprehensive writing tasks: personal essays; argument, analysis and other forms of transactional writing; and creative writing. Learners will also identify strategies for supporting the reading/writing connection and practical assignments for engaging students in writing around texts.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Teaching Personal Writing
Imagine a scenario where a student is asked, for example, to name the capital city, state bird, state motto and primary economic industry of their state, and although they get the first three correct, on the fourth that student is told, “No, I’m sorry, that’s wrong.”
Now imagine a scenario where a student is asked to describe a time in their life when they realized for the first time something important about themselves or the way the world worked. Whatever they say, the one response they won’t be hearing is, “I’m sorry, that’s wrong.”
Personal writing allows students to do research into the area they know best: themselves and their lives. In this module, learners will define what constitutes personal writing as well as the benefits of encouraging students to engage in personal writing. They will identify and apply strategies for teaching personal writing, and create a personal writing prompt they can use in their classrooms.
Read more
Syllabus
Teaching Personal Writing
Imagine a scenario where a student is asked, for example, to name the capital city, state bird, state motto and primary economic industry of their state, and although they get the first three correct, on the fourth that student is told, “No, I’m sorry, that’s wrong.”
Now imagine a scenario where a student is asked to describe a time in their life when they realized for the first time something important about themselves or the way the world worked. Whatever they say, the one response they won’t be hearing is, “I’m sorry, that’s wrong.”
Personal writing allows students to do research into the area they know best: themselves and their lives. In this module, learners will define what constitutes personal writing as well as the benefits of encouraging students to engage in personal writing. They will identify and apply strategies for teaching personal writing, and create a personal writing prompt they can use in their classrooms.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores a range of writing genres, including personal essays, argumentative writing, and creative writing
Examines strategies for teaching writing as a process, which helps students develop fluency, comfort, and confidence in writing
Provides practical assignments and strategies for engaging students in writing around texts, which can enhance the reading/writing connection
Teaches techniques for teaching argumentative writing, critical analysis, and other forms of transactional writing
Examines the principles and techniques of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction
Taught by Mark Farrington, who has extensive experience in teaching writing
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Reviews summary
Effective strategies for teaching writing
According to students, this course offers a highly practical and comprehensive guide for educators looking to refine their approach to teaching writing. Learners particularly value the strategies for fostering various forms of writing, from personal essays and argumentative compositions to creative writing. Many found the emphasis on the reading/writing connection to be particularly insightful, providing actionable assignments for their classrooms. While some experienced educators found certain aspects to be a general overview, the course generally provides a solid foundation and diverse teaching techniques suitable for a range of educational settings.
Covers multiple genres, enhancing teaching versatility.
"The modules on argument and creative writing also offered solid frameworks for instruction."
"I enjoyed the modules on personal and creative writing, which gave me new ways to approach these often-challenging areas with my students."
"It's clear the course effectively covers personal essays, transactional writing, and creative expressions."
Highlights critical strategies for linking reading and writing.
"I particularly loved the focus on the reading/writing connection; it really helped my students engage with texts on a deeper level."
"I learned different techniques of reading, including reading like a writer and deep reading, which I can apply with my students."
"The practical assignments for engaging students in writing around texts are very helpful."
Offers actionable methods for teaching diverse writing forms.
"I found this course incredibly refreshing. The strategies for teaching personal writing were so practical and easy to implement."
"This course provided a good overview of teaching different writing forms... overall, a very useful professional development."
"I gained so many practical assignments to use in my classroom, especially for connecting reading and writing."
Good for beginners, potentially less for experienced teachers.
"While the ideas presented are sound, I felt some of the strategies were a bit generic. As an experienced teacher, I was hoping for more advanced techniques."
"It's a good introductory course, but might not offer enough for those already well-versed in teaching writing."
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I would have loved more specific examples of student work or common pitfalls."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Teaching Texts and Forms with these
activities:
Organize Course Materials for Enhanced Learning
Show steps
Improve information retention by organizing and reviewing course materials effectively.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials, including notes, handouts, assignments, and quizzes.
-
Organize materials into a logical structure, such as binders, folders, or digital files.
-
Review materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
-
Annotate materials with additional notes, summaries, or questions.
Complete Writing Prompts and Exercises
Show steps
Develop writing fluency and explore various writing styles through regular practice.
Show steps
-
Identify writing prompts or exercises that align with the topics covered in the course.
-
Set aside time for regular writing practice.
-
Experiment with different writing techniques and perspectives.
-
Seek feedback on your written work to identify areas for improvement.
Explore Online Resources for Writing Improvement
Show steps
Supplement your learning with additional writing resources and tutorials.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online writing resources, such as writing blogs, tutorials, and videos.
-
Select resources that align with your writing goals and areas for improvement.
-
Follow the guidance and exercises provided in the resources.
-
Apply what you learn to your own writing practice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in Writing Workshops or Critique Groups
Show steps
Gain valuable feedback and improve your writing through peer interaction.
Show steps
-
Join a writing workshop or critique group.
-
Share your work with peers and receive constructive criticism.
-
Provide feedback on the work of others, offering insights and suggestions.
-
Incorporate peer feedback into your own writing to enhance its clarity and impact.
Read and Analyze "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
Show steps
Study the principles of clear and effective writing from a master of the craft.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through each chapter carefully, taking notes on Zinsser's insights into writing.
-
Identify and analyze the techniques that Zinsser employs in his own writing.
-
Apply Zinsser's principles to your own writing, especially in the context of personal essays and transactional writing.
Craft an Argumentative Essay
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and argumentation skills through essay writing.
Show steps
-
Choose a debatable topic that aligns with the course themes.
-
Conduct research to gather evidence and support your claims.
-
Develop a thesis statement that clearly articulates your argument.
-
Write a draft and organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
-
Revise and edit your essay, ensuring logical flow, coherence, and a persuasive tone.
Write and Share a Personal Essay
Show steps
Develop your writing fluency and explore personal narratives through essay writing.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm a topic that is meaningful and personal to you.
-
Develop an outline, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
-
Write a draft and seek feedback from peers or a writing mentor.
-
Revise and edit your essay, paying attention to clarity, organization, and voice.
-
Share your essay with a wider audience, such as a writing group or online forum.
Create a Writing Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your writing skills and progress by compiling a portfolio of your best work.
Show steps
-
Select a variety of writing pieces that demonstrate your skills and range.
-
Organize your portfolio into sections, such as personal essays, argumentative essays, and creative writing.
-
Write reflective introductions for each piece, explaining your writing process and goals.
-
Seek feedback on your portfolio from peers, instructors, or mentors.
-
Revise and update your portfolio regularly to reflect your continued growth as a writer.
Organize Course Materials for Enhanced Learning
Show steps
Improve information retention by organizing and reviewing course materials effectively.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials, including notes, handouts, assignments, and quizzes.
- Organize materials into a logical structure, such as binders, folders, or digital files.
- Review materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
- Annotate materials with additional notes, summaries, or questions.
Complete Writing Prompts and Exercises
Show steps
Develop writing fluency and explore various writing styles through regular practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify writing prompts or exercises that align with the topics covered in the course.
- Set aside time for regular writing practice.
- Experiment with different writing techniques and perspectives.
- Seek feedback on your written work to identify areas for improvement.
Explore Online Resources for Writing Improvement
Show steps
Supplement your learning with additional writing resources and tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online writing resources, such as writing blogs, tutorials, and videos.
- Select resources that align with your writing goals and areas for improvement.
- Follow the guidance and exercises provided in the resources.
- Apply what you learn to your own writing practice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Participate in Writing Workshops or Critique Groups
Show steps
Gain valuable feedback and improve your writing through peer interaction.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a writing workshop or critique group.
- Share your work with peers and receive constructive criticism.
- Provide feedback on the work of others, offering insights and suggestions.
- Incorporate peer feedback into your own writing to enhance its clarity and impact.
Read and Analyze "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
Show steps
Study the principles of clear and effective writing from a master of the craft.
View
Extraordinary Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through each chapter carefully, taking notes on Zinsser's insights into writing.
- Identify and analyze the techniques that Zinsser employs in his own writing.
- Apply Zinsser's principles to your own writing, especially in the context of personal essays and transactional writing.
Craft an Argumentative Essay
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and argumentation skills through essay writing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a debatable topic that aligns with the course themes.
- Conduct research to gather evidence and support your claims.
- Develop a thesis statement that clearly articulates your argument.
- Write a draft and organize your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Revise and edit your essay, ensuring logical flow, coherence, and a persuasive tone.
Write and Share a Personal Essay
Show steps
Develop your writing fluency and explore personal narratives through essay writing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm a topic that is meaningful and personal to you.
- Develop an outline, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Write a draft and seek feedback from peers or a writing mentor.
- Revise and edit your essay, paying attention to clarity, organization, and voice.
- Share your essay with a wider audience, such as a writing group or online forum.
Create a Writing Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your writing skills and progress by compiling a portfolio of your best work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a variety of writing pieces that demonstrate your skills and range.
- Organize your portfolio into sections, such as personal essays, argumentative essays, and creative writing.
- Write reflective introductions for each piece, explaining your writing process and goals.
- Seek feedback on your portfolio from peers, instructors, or mentors.
- Revise and update your portfolio regularly to reflect your continued growth as a writer.
Career center
Learners who complete Teaching Texts and Forms will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
English Professor
English Professor
As an English Professor, you will teach courses in literature, writing, and language. You will develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions, and grade student work. This course will help you build a foundation in the teaching of writing, which is a key component of English instruction. It will also provide you with strategies for teaching different types of writing, including personal essays, argumentative essays, and creative writing.
Writing Tutor
Writing Tutor
Writing Tutors provide one-on-one assistance to students with their writing. They help students develop their ideas, organize their thoughts, and improve their grammar and style. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Writing Tutor, including the ability to identify and address common writing errors and to provide constructive feedback.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals, help files, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They work with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals to gather information and translate it into clear and concise language. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Technical Writer, including the ability to write clearly and concisely, to organize information effectively, and to use technical terminology correctly.
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters create written content for marketing and advertising campaigns. They write website copy, blog posts, social media updates, and other materials designed to persuade or inform audiences. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Copywriter, including the ability to write persuasive and engaging copy, to understand your audience, and to use different writing styles.
Content Writer
Content Writer
Content Writers create written content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. They write articles, blog posts, website pages, and other materials designed to inform and engage audiences. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Content Writer, including the ability to write clearly and concisely, to organize information effectively, and to use keywords and SEO techniques.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written content. They work with authors, publishers, and other clients to ensure that written content is clear, concise, and error-free. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Editor, including the ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, to improve the flow of written content, and to work effectively with authors.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write news articles, feature stories, and other content for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They research, interview sources, and write articles that inform, educate, and entertain readers. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Journalist, including the ability to research and write about complex topics, to write clearly and concisely, and to meet deadlines.
Novelist
Novelist
Novelists write novels, which are long works of fiction. They create characters, settings, and plots that engage readers and tell a compelling story. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Novelist, including the ability to create believable characters, to write engaging plots, and to use language effectively.
Poet
Poet
Poets write poems, which are short works of poetry. They use language in creative and evocative ways to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Poet, including the ability to use language creatively, to write in different poetic forms, and to share your work with others.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write scripts for movies and television shows. They create characters, settings, and plots that engage viewers and tell a compelling story. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Screenwriter, including the ability to create believable characters, to write engaging plots, and to use dialogue effectively.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
Speechwriters write speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. They research the speaker's audience and topic, and write speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Speechwriter, including the ability to research and write about complex topics, to write clearly and concisely, and to meet deadlines.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers teach students at all levels, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Teacher, including the ability to create engaging lesson plans, to manage a classroom, and to assess student learning.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and use information. They work in libraries, schools, and other settings to provide access to books, magazines, and other resources. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in a career as a Librarian, as it will provide you with a foundation in the teaching of writing.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists preserve and protect historical documents and other materials. They work in archives, libraries, and museums to ensure that these materials are available for future generations. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in a career as an Archivist, as it will provide you with a foundation in the teaching of writing.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums. They research, acquire, and preserve artifacts and other objects, and develop exhibits that educate and engage visitors. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in a career as a Museum Curator, as it will provide you with a foundation in the teaching of writing.
Historian
Historian
Historians research, write, and teach about the past. They work in universities, museums, and other settings to uncover new knowledge about history and to share it with others. This course may be useful to you if you are interested in a career as a Historian, as it will provide you with a foundation in the teaching of writing.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ehr9d/teaching
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Teaching Texts and Forms.
This classic guide to writing provides clear and concise rules for grammar, punctuation, and style, making it a valuable reference for students at all levels.
Save
Offers a practical and inspiring approach to creative writing, encouraging writers to embrace their creativity and write from the heart.
Provides a fascinating exploration of writing style, analyzing the techniques used by great writers and offering insights into the cognitive processes involved in writing.
Save
This insightful memoir by one of the most successful writers of our time offers a personal and practical exploration of the writing process.
Save
This inspiring and humorous book offers a practical approach to writing, encouraging writers to overcome perfectionism and embrace their unique voices.
Provides a thoughtful exploration of the art of personal narrative, with insights into the challenges and rewards of writing about one's own experiences.
This popular book offers daily writing prompts and exercises to help writers develop their creativity and build a writing habit.
Save
Offers a lighthearted and encouraging guide to writing, with practical advice and inspiration for writers of all levels.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5ehr9d/teaching
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Effort
21 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Mark Farrington
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Teaching Writing. It's comprised of five courses:
- Teaching Reluctant Writers
- Teaching Texts and Forms (viewing)
- Teaching Writing Final Project
- Responding, Revising and Assessing Student Writings
- Teaching Writing Process
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