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Teaching Writing Process

Half a century ago, a revolution took place in the teaching of writing. Educators asked, “What if we were to study how professional writers wrote, as a way to learn how we might teach writing more effectively?” The result was the writing process movement, with its emphasis on not just writing as product but as process. Good writing doesn’t magically appear, nor does it spring from the brain fully formed and perfect the first time. Instead, all writers engage in a process, and while that process can vary writer to writer, some stages do seem to apply, in some way, to almost every writing situation. This course demonstrates how teaching writing as process can lead to a significant increase in students’ comfort level and confidence as writers. Learners will examine methods for teaching writing as discovery, and for using low-stakes writing and reflection in their classes. They’ll fill their toolbox with practical strategies and techniques for teaching writing to students of any age, in any situation.

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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.

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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

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Reviews summary

Teaching writing process: pedagogical insights

According to students who might take this course, 'Teaching Writing Process' is likely to offer a positive and dynamic process rather than just a product. Learners can expect to fill their toolbox with practical strategies for engaging students through low-stakes writing and fostering a growth mindset. The course's focus on reflective practice encourages educators to consider their own teaching philosophy. While beneficial for fostering student confidence, potential learners might find the coverage foundational, wishing for more depth on specific writing genres or advanced pedagogical theories. Overall, it's expected to provide a solid foundation for educators at various levels.

Provides strong basics but may not delve into advanced topics.

"While providing an excellent foundation, I might need supplementary resources for highly specialized writing instruction."

"As an experienced teacher, I hope it offers enough novel insights beyond what I already know about writing process."

"I'm looking for a solid introduction, so this course seems perfect, but I don't expect deep dives into every single writing genre."

Encourages educators to consider their own teaching philosophy.

"I find the emphasis on reflective writing and considering my own teaching goals particularly insightful."

"It prompts me to think about the kind of writing teacher I truly want to be."

"I appreciate the focus on how reflection can improve both my teaching and my students' learning."

Provides tangible methods for classroom application.

"I expect to gain practical strategies to implement immediately in my classroom."

"The focus on 'inviting writing' and 'low-stakes writing' seems invaluable for encouraging reluctant students."

"I hope this course offers actionable techniques for teaching students of any age."

Shifts focus from product to the dynamic journey of writing.

"I appreciate how the course highlights teaching writing as a process, which can really boost student confidence."

"It emphasizes understanding writing as a series of stages, which is a fresh perspective compared to just grading final products."

"I anticipate gaining new ways to help my students discover writing, rather than just forcing them to produce."

Analysis based solely on course description and syllabus.

"This analysis is based solely on the course description and syllabus, as no actual student reviews were provided."

"Consequently, specific student experiences, common sentiments, or long-term trends cannot be determined."

"The evaluation of this course is speculative, lacking the direct insights from past learners."

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.

Browse courses on Writing Process

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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

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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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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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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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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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Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Writing Process.

Little Penguin Handbook

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the writing process approach, including its history, principles, and methods. It valuable resource for teachers who want to learn more about this approach and how to implement it in their classrooms.

Teaching Writing Process

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Teaching writing process: pedagogical insights

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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