Best Practice in Writing by Diana Edmonds

 

Reflective Journal: Best Practices in Teaching Writing

In this reflective journal, I would like to explore the topic of best practices in teaching writing.  As a students  of Teacher Education, I have had the opportunity to observe lecturers implementing effective strategies to enhance student writing skills. Let's delve into some of these best practices and examine examples of their impact.

1. Modeling: One of the most powerful strategies in teaching writing is modeling. By demonstrating the writing process and thinking aloud, teachers provide students with a clear understanding of what good writing looks like. For example, during a mini-lesson on descriptive writing, a teacher might model how to use sensory details and vivid language to create a compelling paragraph. This modeling helps students visualize the expectations and provides them with a framework to follow in their own writing.

2. Scaffolded Instruction: Effective writing instruction often involves scaffolding, which means providing support and gradually releasing responsibility to students. Teachers can scaffold writing tasks by breaking them down into manageable steps and providing graphic organizers or templates. For instance, when teaching persuasive writing, a teacher might provide a graphic organizer with sections for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This scaffolded approach helps students organize their thoughts and structure their writing effectively.

3. Authentic Writing Opportunities: Providing students with authentic writing opportunities is crucial for developing their writing skills. When students see the purpose and relevance of their writing, they are more motivated and engaged. For example, a teacher might invite students to write persuasive letters to the principal advocating for a change in the school's lunch menu. This real-world context gives students a sense of agency and helps them understand the impact of their writing.

4. Differentiated Instruction: Recognizing that students have diverse needs and abilities, differentiated instruction is essential in teaching writing. Teachers can differentiate instruction by providing choice in writing topics, offering various levels of support, and incorporating different modes of expression. For instance, in a poetry unit, students could choose to write a traditional poem, a spoken word piece, or a visual poem. This differentiation allows students to showcase their strengths and interests while still meeting the learning objectives.

5. Feedback and Revision: Providing timely and constructive feedback is crucial for student growth in writing. Teachers can offer feedback through written comments, conferences, or peer review. Encouraging students to revise their writing based on feedback helps them develop a growth mindset and improve their writing skills. For example, after receiving feedback on a narrative essay, a student might revise their work by adding more descriptive details or strengthening the dialogue.

In conclusion, incorporating best practices in teaching writing is essential for fostering student growth and development as writers. By modeling, scaffolding instruction, providing authentic writing opportunities, differentiating instruction, and emphasizing feedback and revision, teachers can create a supportive and engaging writing environment. Through examples like the ones mentioned, we can see the impact of these best practices on student writing skills and confidence. As educators, it is important to continually reflect on and refine our instructional practices to best support our students' writing journey.