Trends in Teaching: Emphasizing Informational and Nonfiction Writing by Diana Edmonds

Teaching writing is continually evolving, with educators embracing innovative trends to meet the demands of the 21st-century learner. The aim of this piece is to explores current trends in teaching informational and nonfiction writing, providing examples and drawing on relevant literature to support the discussion.

Trends in Teaching Informational and Nonfiction Writing:

1. Integration of Technology:

   In the digital age, technology has become a powerful ally in teaching writing. Educators are incorporating digital tools and platforms to enhance the teaching of informational and nonfiction writing. Example: Students can use online resources to conduct research for informative essays, and digital platforms like Google Docs facilitate collaborative writing and real-time feedback.

2. Multimodal Composition:

   Recognizing the multimodal nature of communication in contemporary society, educators are encouraging students to create texts that combine various modes, such as text, images, audio, and video. Example: Students can create multimedia presentations for informative writing projects, incorporating visual aids, infographics, and audio elements to enhance the clarity and impact of their messages.

3. Authentic Audience and Purpose: 

   Writing gains significance when students understand that their work has a real-world purpose and audience. Assignments are designed to address authentic issues and reach beyond the classroom. Example: Students might create informational brochures about local environmental issues for distribution in the community, fostering a sense of purpose and relevance in their writing.

4. Genre Awareness and Variation:

   Rather than confining students to a narrow set of writing formats, educators are emphasizing genre awareness and teaching students how to navigate and produce various types of informational and nonfiction texts. Example: Students explore different genres, such as articles, reports, and essays, understanding the unique features and conventions associated with each.

5. Emphasis on Research Skills:

Informational and nonfiction writing often involves research, and current trends highlight the importance of teaching students robust research skills, including source evaluation and citation. Example: Students engage in research projects where they critically evaluate sources, cite evidence, and practice ethical use of information in their writing.

6. Global Perspectives:

   Recognizing the interconnectedness of the world, educators are encouraging students to explore global issues and perspectives in their informational and nonfiction writing. Example: Students may write articles that address global challenges, incorporating diverse viewpoints and considering the broader impact of their topics.

7. Collaborative Writing Practices:

   Collaboration is increasingly emphasized as a valuable skill in the writing process. Students work together on writing projects, sharing ideas, revising collaboratively, and learning from one another. Example: Collaborative writing exercises, such as peer editing workshops or group research projects, provide students with opportunities to benefit from collective expertise and diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, teaching informational and nonfiction writing has evolved to reflect the changing demands of our interconnected and technology-driven world. The trends highlighted in this essay demonstrate a shift towards more dynamic, purposeful, and multimodal approaches that prepare students for effective communication in diverse contexts.

References:

1. Hicks, T. (2018). Crafting Digital Writing: Composing Texts Across Media and Genres. Heinemann.

2. Miller, C. R. (1984). Genre as Social Action. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 70(2), 151-167.

3. Kajder, S. B. (2004). Bringing the Real World into the Classroom: TechnoFeminist Perspectives on Gender, Textuality, and Technology. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 48(3), 188-198.

4. National Council of Teachers of English. (2011). The NCTE Definition of 21st Century Literacies.