Teaching Texts and Forms from Coursera

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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.

The Reading/Writing Connection

Often, writing is taught as writing, and reading is taught as reading. But there can be great value in connecting the two. In this module, learners will identify strategies for supporting the reading/writing connection and practical assignments for engaging students in writing around texts. Learners will identify different techniques of reading, including reading like a writer and deep reading, and will reflect on how they might apply their learning with the students they currently teach or will teach in the future.

Teaching Argument, Analysis and Transactional Writing

Too often these days, it seems that “argument” gets confused with “arguing,” with the goal being to prove , “I’m right and you’re wrong.” But true argument is a way of “entering the conversation” on a question or issue and considering multiple perspectives with the goal of arriving at the best option. In this module, learners will identify and define the different forms of argument and persuasion along with strategies for teaching argument writing. They will also identify and practice techniques of critical analysis, and consider other forms of transactional writing, including informational and instructional writing.

Teaching Creative Writing

“Tell me a story!” “Sing me a song!” Most children have a love for hearing – and telling – stories, and for the explosion of an emotion or a moment one often finds in poems and the lyrics of songs. In this module, learners will identify some of the components of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, and examine strategies for teaching students to write these forms. They’ll identify the benefits of encouraging students to explore creative writing, and will practice approaches that will help even the most reluctant creative writer find confidence and success.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Course okay, assignment issues

According to students, this course is just okay. Assignment problems, such as late responses, have made the course somewhat demotivating for some learners.

Delayed responses to assignments.

"The response time on assignments submitted well before the deadline was too long."

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

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Improve information retention by organizing and reviewing course materials effectively.

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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

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Develop writing fluency and explore various writing styles through regular practice.

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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

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Supplement your learning with additional writing resources and tutorials.

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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

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Participate in Writing Workshops or Critique Groups

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Gain valuable feedback and improve your writing through peer interaction.

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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

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Study the principles of clear and effective writing from a master of the craft.

View Extraordinary Lives on Amazon

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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

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Enhance your critical thinking and argumentation skills through essay writing.

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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

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Develop your writing fluency and explore personal narratives through essay writing.

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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

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Showcase your writing skills and progress by compiling a portfolio of your best work.

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Professor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writing Tutor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poet

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist