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Teaching Writing Final Project

One of the goals of the Teaching Writing specialization has been to help every learner consider ways to adapt what they are learning and apply it to their specific situation, needs and interests. The theories, strategies and practices presented in these courses are sound, and can work with any student of any age and skill level, provided each learner is able to adapt their learning and apply it to their specific students, current or future. In this final project, learners will select one component from each of the four courses that are among the most important things they learned from that course. They will describe what these components are, explain why they are important to the learner, and create a plan for incorporating that new learning into their teaching or their own writing going forward.

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Syllabus

Module 1: Reflecting on Your Learning

One of the goals of the Teaching Writing specialization has been to help every learner consider ways to adapt what they are learning and apply it to their specific situation, needs and interests, and in this final project, you’ll apply your learning to your current or future teaching. The project consists of a series of writings. In this first module, you’ll select four of the most valuable takeaways you have gained from these courses. In subsequent modules, you'll construct learning objectives, create a lesson plan that you could use in your classes, and finally, you'll evaluate this specialization as if you were the designer and instructor. The project is separated into four modules, with a peer review assignment in each module.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides practical guidance on adapting learning to specific teaching situations and individual student needs

Emphasizes the importance of creating a lesson plan for effective teaching

Covers learning objectives, lesson planning, and course evaluation

Provides an opportunity to apply learning by creating a lesson plan

Facilitates peer review to enhance learning

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Reviews summary

Practical capstone for writing teachers

According to students, this "Teaching Writing Final Project" course serves as a valuable synthesis and effective capstone for the specialization, highly praised for its practical application. Learners particularly appreciate the opportunity to create a comprehensive lesson plan, finding the instructions crystal clear and the freedom to choose their own topic beneficial. However, a recurring point of contention is the inconsistent quality of peer reviews, with some finding them unhelpful or the workload heavy. A minority of learners also noted that the course content felt like a self-assessment rather than offering new material, leading to some perceived redundancy. Overall, it's considered an essential step for applying theoretical knowledge.

Project guidelines are well-defined and easy to follow.

"Absolutely fantastic course! The instructions for the final project were crystal clear..."

"The instructions were clear, making the project manageable. It really helped me organize my thoughts on teaching writing."

"The process of developing a comprehensive lesson plan was immensely beneficial."

Applies theories to real-world teaching scenarios.

"This final project was a valuable synthesis of the entire specialization. I appreciated the structured approach to creating a lesson plan..."

"The emphasis on adapting what we learned to our own teaching context was incredibly useful. I've already implemented parts of my lesson plan in my class."

"It forced me to think deeply about how I'd apply the theories from the specialization. The freedom to choose my own topic for the lesson plan was a huge plus."

"The lesson plan component is strong and very practical. It helped solidify my understanding."

"An essential final step in the specialization. It ensures you don't just consume information but actively apply it."

Material may feel redundant if previous courses were mastered.

"I found some of the initial modules a bit redundant if you've already completed the previous courses diligently."

"The course feels a bit like a self-assessment more than new learning. If you're looking for new content, this isn't it."

"The course itself is just a summation of previous modules, without adding anything new. Felt like busywork to get the certificate."

Quality of peer feedback varies and workload can be heavy.

"The peer review process was occasionally frustrating due to a lack of detailed feedback from some reviewers."

"The peer review system, while sometimes inconsistent, was generally helpful for gaining different perspectives."

"The peer reviews varied wildly in quality, from insightful to completely unhelpful."

"My main critique is the peer review workload, which felt a bit heavy at times, especially when reviews received were minimal or unconstructive."

"Disappointed with the quality of peer reviews. I put a lot of effort into my submissions and got very little back."

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 Final Project with these activities:

Create a lesson plan for a creative writing class

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This will aid in developing skills in planning lessons for students

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Choose a topic for your lesson.
Determine the learning objectives for your lesson.
Plan the activities for your lesson.
Create a timeline for your lesson.
Write a lesson plan for your lesson.

Review the book Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

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This will aid in understanding how to develop and refine your written work.

View Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction.
Read the first three chapters.
Answer the questions for chapter 1-3 at the end of chapter 3.
Read chapters 4-6 and take notes on techniques that seem useful to you.
Choose a piece of your own writing and edit it using at least three of the techniques you learned from the book.

Practice writing exercises from a writing workbook

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This will aid in strengthening writing skills by completing targeted exercises.

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Choose a writing workbook.
Complete the writing exercises in the workbook.
Review your work and make corrections.
Repeat steps 2-3 until you have completed all of the exercises in the workbook.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Participate in a writing workshop

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This will aid in refining writing skills through constructive criticism by others.

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Find a writing workshop.
Attend the writing workshop.
Share your work with the other participants.
Give and receive feedback on other participants' work.
Revise your work based on the feedback you received.

Create a portfolio of your writing

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This will aid in organizing and showcasing your writing skills.

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Gather your writing samples.
Choose the best pieces to include in your portfolio.
Organize your portfolio.
Create a cover letter for your portfolio.
Share your portfolio with others.

Create a website

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This will aid in developing your web development skills while also showcasing your writing.

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Choose a topic for your website.
Design your website.
Develop your website.
Write the content for your website.
Publish your website.

Create a podcast

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This will aid in developing your podcast creation skills while also allowing you to share your voice.

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Choose a topic for your podcast.
Plan your podcast.
Record your podcast.
Edit your podcast.
Publish your podcast.

Career center

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

Curriculum Developer

In your role as a Curriculum Developer, you will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of educational programs. You may work at a school, university, or other organization that provides education. This course will help you to understand the principles of curriculum design and development. You will also learn how to use a variety of teaching methods and techniques. This knowledge will be valuable to you as you develop and implement curriculum for your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer is similar to a Curriculum Developer, with one key difference. Rather than developing an entire program, you will design and develop individual units or modules. While the word “design” is used, it is primarily concerned with pedagogy, not aesthetics. This course will teach you how to use a variety of instructional strategies and technologies to create effective learning experiences for your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Learning and Development Manager

As a Learning and Development Manager, you will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of training and development programs. This course will provide you with valuable knowledge to help you to understand the principles of adult learning, and how to motivate and engage learners. With this, you will gain essential skills in designing and developing training programs that will help your learners achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Educational Consultant

If you have a passion for education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, a career as an Educational Consultant may be a great fit for you. This course will help you understand the principles of curriculum design and development, as well as the latest educational trends and best practices. This knowledge will be valuable to you as you work with schools, districts, and other organizations to improve educational outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Education Policy Analyst

Working as an Education Policy Analyst, your task will be to research, analyze, and develop educational policies. To be successful, you will need a strong understanding of education systems and policies. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role. It will also give you insights into the current issues and challenges facing education today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Education Administrator

As an Education Administrator, you will be responsible for the management and operation of a school or other educational institution. This course will teach you the principles and practices of educational leadership and management. You will learn how to set vision and goals for your school, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment for your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Administrator

School Principal

As the School Principal, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of a school. You will work with teachers, staff, parents, and the community to create a positive learning environment for all students. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful school principal.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Principal

Teacher

If you are passionate about teaching and making a difference in the lives of your students, then a career as a teacher may be the right choice for you. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful teacher. You will learn how to plan and deliver instruction, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Postsecondary Teacher

If you have a passion for teaching and a desire to work with students at the college or university level, then a career as a Postsecondary Teacher may be right for you. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful postsecondary teacher. You will learn how to plan and deliver instruction, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Postsecondary Teacher

Writing Instructor

As a Writing Instructor, you will be responsible for teaching writing to students at the college or university level. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful writing instructor. You will learn how to plan and deliver instruction, and how to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writing Instructor

English Professor

As an English Professor, your role will include teaching, research, and service. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the study of English literature and language. It will also help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful teacher and scholar.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Professor

Education Researcher

As an Education Researcher, you will have the opportunity to improve education for everyone. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to conduct research on important educational issues. You will learn how to design and implement research studies, and how to analyze and interpret data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher

Content Developer

A Content Developer is usually employed by companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to plan, write, and edit educational materials. This course will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to be successful in this function. You will learn how to develop content for a variety of media, including print, online, and multimedia.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers develop instruction manuals, online help systems, and other documentation that explains complex technical information. This course will provide you with the skills you need to be a successful technical writer. You will learn how to write clearly and concisely, and how to organize and structure technical information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful instructional coach. You will learn how to observe and assess teaching, and how to provide feedback and support to teachers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

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 Writing Final Project.

Children Want to Write

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A classic work on the writing workshop approach to teaching writing.

Children Want to Write

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Children Want to Write

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