Responding, Revising and Assessing Student Writings from Coursera

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Syllabus

Responding to Student Writing

It’s interesting to consider the verbs we often use to describe what we teachers do with a batch of student papers. We have papers to “grade;” papers to “correct.” Seldom do we say that we have a batch of papers we need to “respond to.” And yet it’s through our responses that students can best learn and grow. That doesn’t always happen; if you’ve taught before, you’ve probably had the experience of giving back papers on which you’ve worked hard to provide responses and instructions, only to watch your students take the papers you’re returning and turn right to the grade, ignoring everything else you’ve written. In this module, we’ll identify strategies for responding to student writing so that students will first of all, read and understand your comments, and then be able to use those comments for learning and growth. We’ll look at different ways to respond to student writing, including through conferences and peer review, and we’ll even consider effective ways to respond to students’ use of grammar. At the end of this module, you’ll reflect on how you might apply your learning to your own teaching situation.

Teaching Revision

Verbs are interesting to consider when thinking of revision, too. In your classes, do (or will) you “require” revision? Will you “allow” revision? Will you “teach” revision? We might do all of these at some point, but the most challenging task – and the one that might be most valuable – is “teaching” revision. In this module, learners will identify what constitutes revision, particularly how revision differs from editing, and will examine strategies for teaching revision to their students. They will practice a variety of approaches to revision and reflect on how they might encourage revision in their classes.

Evaluating, Assessing and Grading Student Writing

A confession: I love to read what my students write; I love to try and help them make that writing better. I hate having to put a grade on their writing – and yet, I am required to do so. In this module, learners will identify strategies for evaluating and assessing student writing. They will examine the nature of rubrics, and how learning objectives connect to both assignments and assessments. They’ll identify the portfolio system of writing assessment and evaluate its benefits and challenges. They’ll reflect on their own feelings about grading student writing and identify a grading system they believe would be fair and workable in their classes.

Involving Students in Responding, Grading and Assessment

It’s been said that if you really want to know if you’ve learned something, teach it to someone else. In this module, learners will identify strategies for engaging students in practices most often reserved for only teachers, from having students engage in peer review to involving students in how an assignment might be assessed. They’ll identify ways that students, through reflection, can assess their own learning and identify areas of growth. They’ll reflect on their own learning throughout this course and create a plan for bringing aspects of that learning into their classrooms.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Involves students throughout review, grading, and assessment process

Emphasizes revision and gives teachers the knowledge and tools to teach it

Covers a range of post-writing assignment evaluation techniques

Provides strategies to help student learners actively engage with feedback

Focuses on best practices, builds a toolkit of skills and strategies

Taught by instructors experienced in teaching writing and responding

Reviews summary

Knowledgeable lectures on grading and writing

Learners say that this course on responding to, revising, and assessing student writing features engaging assignments, knowledgeable lectures, and helpful strategies. According to students, one negative is that assignment submissions do not get reviewed on time.

Instructor knows their stuff and offers excellent advice

"The professor knows his stuff and has excellent advice and strategies for grading written assignments."

"You will learn about the writing process, the revision process, how to evaluate, and how to encourage students to become good writers."

Assignments don't get reviewed on time

"Assignment submissions do not get reviewed on time"

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 Responding, Revising and Assessing Student Writings with these activities:

Organize Course Resources

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Organize lecture notes, course readings, and other materials to enhance learning and revision.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

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Gather all course materials, including notes, handouts, and readings.
Create a system for organizing and labeling the materials.
Review the organized materials regularly to reinforce learning.

Study Grammar Rules and Examples

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Review grammar rules and examples to enhance writing accuracy and clarity.

Browse courses on Grammar

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Identify areas of grammar where you need improvement.
Find online tutorials or resources that provide clear explanations.
Practice applying the rules through exercises or writing samples.

Practice Writing Assignments

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Engage in regular writing exercises to sharpen writing skills and improve confidence in writing assignments.

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Set aside time for regular writing practice.
Choose topics that challenge your writing abilities.
Focus on improving specific writing skills, such as grammar, structure, or style.
Seek feedback from peers or instructors to identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

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Peer Writing Support

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Engage with peers to provide and receive feedback on writing assignments, enhancing writing skills and perspectives.

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Form a peer review group with classmates.
Exchange writing samples and provide constructive criticism.
Consider different perspectives and suggestions to improve writing quality.

Read 'On Writing Well' by Zinsser

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Gain insights into writing style and techniques from a renowned author to enhance writing quality.

View Extraordinary Lives on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser.
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the author's advice and examples.
Apply the techniques and principles to your own writing.

Create a Writing Portfolio

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Assemble a portfolio of writing samples to showcase writing skills and progress over time.

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Select writing assignments that demonstrate different writing styles and abilities.
Create a digital or physical portfolio to store the selected works.
Reflect on the strengths and areas for improvement within the writing samples.

Contribute to Open-Source Writing Projects

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Participate in open-source writing projects to gain experience in collaborative writing and enhance writing skills.

Browse courses on Writing

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Identify open-source writing projects that align with your interests.
Join the project community and contribute to writing tasks.
Collaborate with other writers to improve the quality of the writing.

Career center

Learners who complete Responding, Revising and Assessing Student Writings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Writing Teacher

Writing Teachers help students develop their writing skills. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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Elementary School Teacher

Elementary School Teachers teach students in grades K-5. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers teach students with disabilities. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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High School Teacher

High School Teachers teach students in grades 9-12. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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ESL Teacher

ESL Teachers teach English to students who are not native speakers. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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English Teacher

English Teachers help students develop their reading and writing skills. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for engaging students in the assessment process.

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Middle School Teacher

Middle School Teachers teach students in grades 6-8. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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Reading Specialist

Reading Specialists help struggling readers develop their reading skills. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to identify and address the individual needs of your students. You will also develop strategies for responding to and revising your students' writing.

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College Professor

College Professors teach and research at colleges and universities. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively respond to and revise your students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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Literacy Coach

Literacy Coaches help teachers improve their literacy instruction. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to provide effective feedback to teachers on their students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational materials. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to create effective writing instruction for students. You will also learn strategies for assessing student learning.

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Professional Development Specialist

Professional Development Specialists provide training and support to teachers. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to provide effective feedback to teachers on their students' writing. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision and assessment.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide guidance to schools and districts on educational issues. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to assess student learning and provide feedback to teachers. You will also learn strategies for teaching revision.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to create effective writing instruction for students. You will also learn strategies for evaluating and assessing student learning.

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Admissions Counselor

Admissions Counselors help students apply to college. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to evaluate and assess students' writing. You will also learn strategies for providing feedback to students on their writing.

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