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Mark Farrington
All educators will encounter students who struggle with writing. This course first focuses on the reasons student writers may be reluctant and then provides learners with a variety of strategies and practices to help reluctant writers develop a greater comfort and confidence with writing. Learners will examine classroom relationships, mentoring, scaffolding, conferencing, low-risk writing and mini-lessons, all tools and techniques that can be brought right into the classroom to help struggling writers increase student participation and success in writing. They'll conduct their own study of one reluctant writer and use their learning to help create a plan for teaching reluctant writers in their current and future classrooms.
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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.
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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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Practical strategies for reluctant writers
According to learners, this course offers practical strategies and a supportive framework for understanding and engaging reluctant writers. Students consistently highlight the immediate applicability of the techniques, such as low-risk writing and student conferencing, in their classrooms. The case study approach is frequently praised for deepening understanding and providing a valuable hands-on experience. While largely positive, some learners suggest the course might be more beneficial for those newer to the topic or seeking foundational approaches, as very experienced educators might find some content familiar. Overall, it's considered an effective resource for fostering writing confidence.
Successfully integrates educational theory with practical classroom techniques.
"I appreciated how the course wove in Vygotsky's ZPD without getting bogged down in academic jargon, making it practical."
"The balance between understanding the 'why' (theory) and the 'how' (strategies) was just right for me."
"It wasn't just a list of tips; it gave me the pedagogical backing for why these strategies work."
Helps educators grasp the underlying reasons for writing reluctance.
"This course transformed my perspective on why students struggle; it's not just about skill but often about fear or past experiences."
"I now have a much better understanding of the psychological aspects behind a student's reluctance to write."
"It was eye-opening to learn about the various reasons a student might avoid writing tasks."
The case study component offers deep, personalized learning.
"The case study was invaluable; it really helped me connect the theory to a real student's struggles and growth."
"Working on the case study allowed me to apply what I learned directly and see tangible results in my student."
"I appreciate the structure around studying a reluctant writer, it made the whole course much more meaningful."
Provides immediately applicable tools for the classroom.
"I found so many practical strategies that I could implement in my classroom right away, especially the low-risk writing activities."
"This course gave me concrete tools, not just theory, for helping my students feel more comfortable with writing."
"My students' engagement improved significantly after I started using the conferencing techniques discussed."
More beneficial for newer teachers or those seeking core strategies.
"As an experienced teacher, some of the content felt like a good refresher, but not entirely new to me."
"I'd highly recommend this for new teachers or those who haven't deeply explored writing instruction before."
"While valuable, I was hoping for more advanced interventions for severely reluctant writers."
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
Show steps
Begin this course by quickly revisiting the fundamental principles of writing and basic grammar.
Show steps
-
Read an article or blog post about writing basics.
-
Complete a grammar review quiz or exercise.
Read On Writing by Stephen King
Show steps
Gain insights and practical advice from a renowned author to improve your writing skills.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance your writing skills by learning from experts in the field through online video tutorials.
Browse courses on
Writing Techniques
Show steps
-
Search for video tutorials on writing techniques.
-
Watch and take notes on the tutorials.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write daily for 15 minutes
Show steps
Build your writing fluency by setting aside a small amount of time each day to practice.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Practice organizing your thoughts and writing a cohesive piece of writing by creating a personal narrative.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Help others improve their writing skills while solidifying your own understanding of writing concepts.
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Showcase your writing skills and progress by compiling a portfolio of your best work.
Show steps
-
Collect samples of your best writing.
-
Create a digital or physical portfolio.
-
Share your portfolio with others for feedback.
Review the basics of writing
Show steps
Begin this course by quickly revisiting the fundamental principles of writing and basic grammar.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an article or blog post about writing basics.
- Complete a grammar review quiz or exercise.
Read On Writing by Stephen King
Show steps
Gain insights and practical advice from a renowned author to improve your writing skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance your writing skills by learning from experts in the field through online video tutorials.
Browse courses on
Writing Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for video tutorials on writing techniques.
- Watch and take notes on the tutorials.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write daily for 15 minutes
Show steps
Build your writing fluency by setting aside a small amount of time each day to practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Practice organizing your thoughts and writing a cohesive piece of writing by creating a personal narrative.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Help others improve their writing skills while solidifying your own understanding of writing concepts.
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Showcase your writing skills and progress by compiling a portfolio of your best work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
English Teacher
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.
Literacy Specialist
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.
Special Education Teacher
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.
Reading Specialist
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.
Educational Consultant
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.
Curriculum Developer
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.
Instructional Designer
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.
School Administrator
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.
Teacher Assistant
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.
Paraprofessional
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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
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.
Occupational Therapist
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.
Physical Therapist
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.
Art Therapist
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ji7slp/teaching
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 Reluctant Writers.
Presents a framework for teaching writing that emphasizes the use of writing to develop critical thinking skills. It provides strategies for teaching writing in all subjects and grades.
Provides a comprehensive guide to teaching writing in different academic disciplines. It includes chapters on writing in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
Save
Provides a practical guide to teaching writing for elementary school teachers. It includes lessons, activities, and strategies for teaching writing in all genres.
Classic guide to writing that provides practical advice on how to write clearly and effectively. It valuable resource for students of all levels.
Concise guide to writing that provides essential rules and principles for clear and effective writing. It valuable reference tool for students and professionals alike.
Save
Memoir by Stephen King that provides insights into his writing process and offers advice on how to become a better writer. It is an inspiring and informative read for aspiring writers of all levels.
Save
Collection of essays by Anne Lamott that provides practical advice and encouragement for writers. It humorous and insightful read that will resonate with writers of all levels.
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing for journalists. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike who want to improve their writing skills.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ji7slp/teaching
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Effort
15 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Mark Farrington
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Teaching Writing. It's comprised of five courses:
- Teaching Reluctant Writers (viewing)
- Teaching Texts and Forms
- Teaching Writing Final Project
- Responding, Revising and Assessing Student Writings
- Teaching Writing Process
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