Teaching Writing Process from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Inviting Writing

Do you find yourself having to “make” your students write? Do you use writing mainly as a way to test students? What if you could find ways to “invite” your students to write, making the experience meaningful and even enjoyable for your students and yourself? In this module, after being introduced to the Teaching Writing specialization and considering the importance of good writing skills in virtually any career endeavor, learners will examine ways to “invite writing” from their students, identifying the characteristics and benefits of adding low-stakes writing to the more common approach of using writing as testing. They will practice low-stakes writing to experience firsthand the challenges and successes their students experience when writing.

Module 2: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?

When you were a student, how were you taught writing? When a former student comes back to visit you after ten years have passed, what would you like that former student to say about you as a teacher? In this module, learners will identify and reflect on how they were taught writing as students, and consider how the teaching of writing has changed over the last half century. Learners will also reflect on their own goals and values that will determine what kind of teacher they want to be.

Module 3: Writing Process

We’ve already used the term “writing process” a number of times. You’d probably encountered “the writing process” well before you started this course. You may even teach it to your students. But what is “the writing process,” exactly? How does it work, and how and why can it help your students improve as writers? In this module, learners will be introduced to writing as not just a product but a process. You’ll identify “the writing process,” its components and its many variations. You’ll examine how and why the process works as an effective approach to teaching writing. You’ll identify how the writing process movement led to not only a new approach to teaching writing, but to a new definition of what makes writing good. You’ll adapt your learning by creating an action plan for incorporating writing as process into your teaching.

Module 4: Writing and Reflection

Why do we look in mirrors? Even though we know what we look like, a mirror can give us a new or different, or just a more immediate and detailed view of how we perceive ourselves at that moment. Reflective writing is a way of providing that more immediate and detailed perspective on our learning. In this module, learners will identify the characteristics and value of using reflection as a tool for teaching writing. They’ll practice reflective writing by examining what they have learned in this course and how they might incorporate that learning into their teaching practice.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the writing process, a significant method in teaching writing that leads to increased comfort and confidence for students

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools for teaching writing to students of any age and situation

Examines methods for teaching writing as discovery and using low-stakes writing in classes

Suitable for teachers of any subject and skill level who want to improve their teaching of writing

Instructed by Mark Farrington, an experienced educator specializing in writing instruction

Reviews summary

Helpful theoretical background in teaching writing

Learners say this course provides a helpful framework for teaching writing. They appreciate the focus on reflection. However, some learners found peer review challenging due to the small size of the course.

Teaching writing process involves learning about reflective teaching practices.

"Excellent. Reflection based learning was extremely helpful for me."

"This course effectively explained various approaches to teaching writing that will help students tackle all writing assignments, such as providing low-stakes writing opportunites, breaking down the writing process, and use of reflective writing."

"I was surprised by how much more approachable writing and teaching writing feel after completing the course."

Peer review was challenging due to the low number of students enrolled.

"It's difficult to get one's assignments peer reviewed and likewise - probably very few students enrol for the course."

"The contents are relevant and very useful, nothing to complain about that. Peer reviews is the worst thing that could have happened to this course, very few students so there are no assignments to review and of course, no one to review your assignments."

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 Writing Process with these activities:

Attend a writing workshop

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Attending a writing workshop can provide you with new ideas and strategies for teaching writing.

Browse courses on Writing Process

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Find a workshop
Register and attend
Apply what you learn in your teaching

Join a writing group

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Sharing your work with peers can provide valuable feedback and support, contributing to your growth as a teacher.

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Find a writing group
Participate in regular meetings
Give and receive feedback

Write daily reflections

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Regularly reflecting on your teaching practice can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach.

Browse courses on Reflection

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Set aside time each day to write
Focus on what went well and what could be improved
Identify patterns and trends

One other activity

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Create a blog or website

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Sharing your knowledge and insights about the writing process can help you deepen your understanding and connect with other educators.

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Choose a platform and topic
Create high-quality content
Promote your blog or website

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Writing Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

English Teacher

An English Teacher works closely with students of all levels and ages. They can teach English literature, grammar, writing, and composition. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may help build a foundation for lesson planning and classroom management in English education.

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Postsecondary English Teacher

A Postsecondary English Teacher teaches English language and literature courses at community colleges or universities. This position typically requires a master's degree. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a foundation for teaching writing intensive courses.

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Technical Writing Manager

A Technical Writing Manager oversees the creation of instruction manuals, documentation, and other written materials. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a framework for developing writing standards, procedures, and training materials for technical writers.

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Content Developer

A Content Developer creates and maintains content for a variety of media, such as websites, videos, and courses. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide insight into best practices for creating written content for various audiences and purposes.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer plans and develops educational programs, e-learning courses, and other training materials. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide insight into best practices for designing and developing effective writing instruction.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs, develops, and evaluates educational curricula. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide insight into best practices for developing writing curricula, including the design and implementation of writing assignments, assessment tools, and instructional strategies.

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Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant provides advice and support to schools, districts, and other educational organizations. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide practical strategies and techniques for improving writing instruction, which can be valuable knowledge for educational consultants.

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Freelance Writer

A Freelance Writer creates written content for various clients, such as businesses, organizations, and individuals. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a deep understanding of the writing process and best practices for producing high-quality written content.

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Editor

An Editor reviews, revises, and corrects written content. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a thorough understanding of the writing process, different writing styles, and best practices for editing written work.

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Grant Writer

A Grant Writer prepares and submits grant proposals to secure funding for various projects or initiatives. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate and persuade through written grant proposals.

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Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of an organization or individual. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a solid understanding of writing techniques and best practices for effective communication in public relations.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products or services. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide valuable insights into writing effective marketing materials, including website content, brochures, and social media posts.

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Speechwriter

A Speechwriter crafts speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a deep understanding of the principles of effective writing, persuasive techniques, and different speechwriting styles.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, documentation, and other written materials that explain complex technical information. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a strong foundation in writing clear, concise, and accurate technical content.

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Copywriter

A Copywriter creates written content for marketing and advertising campaigns. Taking the Teaching Writing Process course may provide a strong foundation in writing persuasive and engaging copy for a variety of purposes, from website landing pages to social media ads.

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