While reading some journal articles for my assignment, I came across some readings about Writing which I thought were interesting and which I thought might be worthwhile to share with you all.
Do you know that there is a difference between learning to write and writing to learn? I guess, like me it's only when it is posed in that format that we realise that there indeed is a difference. Mastery of content according to Brandenburg (2002) is demonstrated not only through reading but also through writing. He contends that integrating writing with reading develops comprehension skills because the two are reciprocal or shared processes.
Writing to learn differs from learning to write in several ways. Learning to write entails a series of stages writers typically go through to arrive at a final product. These steps include prewriting, writing, reviewing, revising, editing and preparing a final draft for publication.
Writing to learn on the other hand is different because the writing that is produced does not entail going through a process but instead the purpose of this activity is to serve as a means of making meaning and encouraging further learning. Writing to learn engages students, extends thinking, deepens understanding and energises the meaning making process.Writing to learn offers the opportunity for students to recall, clarify and evaluate what they know about a particular subject.
Studies show ( Fisher & Frey, 2004) that writing to learn is is often left out of the classrooms because of an overemphasis on process writing and and the confusion between learning to write and writing to learn.
I hope that this blog helps to clear up this misconception and acts as a catalyst for educators to pay more attention to teaching students to develop the skill of "Writing to Learn."
Firstly, very provoking topic, and secondly, very appropriate clip to support the thought.
ReplyDeleteWriting to learn is an ideal form of assessment and analysis many teachers can use, but very often fail to appreciate. Many of them also use it and are unaware that they do. Journals, and other reflective writing, especially content based writing employ the writing to learn technique. But as you say it is only when we have the ideas articulated do they provide the food for thought that we need.
Although I agree with the importance of the need for writing to learn, I do not completely agree with Fisher and Frey when they express the view that writing to learn is overlooked because of an overemphasis on learning to write, using the writing process. I believe that if this exists, in the U.S.A. it is not the case in T&T. In fact, in T&T, very little emphasis is placed on the process approach. Many teachers will admit to not even knowing of this strategy for teaching writing.
I contend therefore that a marriage of the two is the best way to implement writing in our schools. A far greater emphasis on the process approach is needed in all schools. Learning to write alongside writing to learn is the best way to learn.