Teaching Reluctant Writers from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Reluctant Writers

Nearly all students find that writing presents challenges, but some students struggle so much that they dread having to put even a few words on the page. Why do these reluctant writers struggle with writing? In this module, learners will examine possible reasons students may exhibit reluctance to writing in classrooms. They’ll reflect on their own relationship to writing, select and begin to study a reluctant writer, and begin to explore and reflect upon methods for helping reluctant writers grow more comfortable with expressing themselves in writing.

Engaging Reluctant Writers

Producing words is the first step in helping our reluctant writers become confident writers. As we’ve said before, a writer needs to write in order to grow and improve as a writer, and a daily writing habit is of critical importance in increasing writing fluency. In this module, learners will examine some of the tools and techniques that can help reluctant writers improve their confidence and comfort level. We’ll look at the strategies and practices involving daybooks, mentor texts, mini-lessons and scaffolding. You’ll learn about Vygotsky and the ZPD, and you’ll continue working on your reluctant writer case study.

Empowering Reluctant Writers

In this module, we look at ways to move from engaging with reluctant writers to empowering them. We’ll examine two of the most important practices that help us focus on the specific needs and growth of each individual student, conferencing and reflection. Every reluctant writer has his or her own areas of strength and areas in need of improvement, and in student conferences, we can identify those specific needs by working with students one-on-one. Through reflection, students can become empowered as they come to identify and understand their own processes of learning and growth. In seeing writing – and even learning overall – as a series of choices they make, students can realize they have the power to determine what those choices will be. We'll also examine the value of writing for an authentic audience, and at the end of this module, you’ll complete your case study of one reluctant writer and you’ll reflect on how you might use your learning to help reluctant writers you currently teach or will teach in the future.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for teachers with struggling writers, this course provides deep study into their challenges and actionable steps to help them

Taught by an experienced instructor who clearly understands the challenges of reluctant writers

Covers a wide range of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop confidence and comfort with writing

Involves conducting a study of a reluctant writer, providing learners with hands-on experience in applying the strategies learned

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to educators with various backgrounds and experience levels

Reviews summary

Engaging course on writing instruction

Learners say this course provides engaging instruction on teaching writing to reluctant students. Real-life examples and a great teacher make this well-received course shine.

Teachers find this course useful.

"Great course for teachers!"

Students find the lessons engaging.

"Topics related to real life situations, and interesting lessons with a great teacher!"

"The course content was great, but the shine does get taken away when assignments are not available for grading and when your own assignments don't get graded on time."

Students complain of late or missing grading.

"The course content was great, but the shine does get taken away when assignments are not available for grading and when your own assignments don't get graded 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 Teaching Reluctant Writers with these activities:

Review the basics of writing

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Begin this course by quickly revisiting the fundamental principles of writing and basic grammar.

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Read an article or blog post about writing basics.
Complete a grammar review quiz or exercise.

Read On Writing by Stephen King

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Gain insights and practical advice from a renowned author to improve your writing skills.

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Purchase or borrow a copy of On Writing.
Read the book and take notes.
Apply the lessons from the book to your own writing.

Watch video tutorials on writing techniques

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Enhance your writing skills by learning from experts in the field through online video tutorials.

Browse courses on Writing Techniques

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Search for video tutorials on writing techniques.
Watch and take notes on the tutorials.

Four other activities

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Write daily for 15 minutes

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Build your writing fluency by setting aside a small amount of time each day to practice.

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Choose a specific time of day to write.
Find a quiet place to write.
Write about anything that comes to mind.

Write a personal narrative

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Practice organizing your thoughts and writing a cohesive piece of writing by creating a personal narrative.

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Brainstorm a topic that is meaningful to you.
Create an outline to organize your thoughts.
Write a first draft of your narrative.
Revise and edit your narrative.

Volunteer as a writing tutor

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Help others improve their writing skills while solidifying your own understanding of writing concepts.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Search for volunteer opportunities at local schools or organizations.
Apply for a tutoring position.
Prepare lesson plans and provide guidance to students.

Develop 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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Collect samples of your best writing.
Create a digital or physical portfolio.
Share your portfolio with others for feedback.

Career center

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

Writing Coach

Writing Coaches typically work with struggling writers to improve their skills. This course can help Writing Coaches by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writing Coach

Literacy Specialist

Literacy Specialists are responsible for providing support to students who are struggling with reading and writing. This course can help Literacy Specialists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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English Teacher

English Teachers are responsible for teaching students how to read, write, and communicate effectively. This course can help English Teachers by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Reading Specialist

Reading Specialists are responsible for providing support to students who are struggling with reading. This course can help Reading Specialists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers are responsible for teaching students with disabilities. This course can help Special Education Teachers by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants work with schools and districts to improve teaching and learning. This course can help Educational Consultants by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers are responsible for designing and developing educational programs. This course can help Instructional Designers by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers are responsible for creating and developing educational materials. This course can help Curriculum Developers by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Teacher Assistant

Teacher Assistants work with teachers to provide support to students. This course can help Teacher Assistants by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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School Administrator

School Administrators are responsible for overseeing the operation of schools. This course can help School Administrators by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals work with students in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course can help Paraprofessionals by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. The course also covers the importance of creating a positive and supportive learning environment for struggling writers.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists work with individuals who have difficulty communicating. This course may be useful to Speech-Language Pathologists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists work with individuals who have difficulty with everyday activities. This course may be useful to Occupational Therapists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists work with individuals who have difficulty with movement. This course may be useful to Physical Therapists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing.

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Art Therapist

Art Therapists work with individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves. This course may be useful to Art Therapists by providing them with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing.

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