NOTES
Become One With the Writing Process!
WARM-UP
If I can figure out how to …
______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________, then that would help me teach the writing process.
AGENDA
Strategies for teaching students the writing process's
• definition
• function
• utility
QUESTIONS
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
DEFINITION
Steps in the writing process can vary from source to source, but no matter how the process is
presented, substantively, there is no difference in the steps: prewriting, writing, and revising. To
have a point of reference, we will use these definitions:
Thinking about possible subjects
Freely jotting ideas on paper or computer
Prewriting
Narrowing the subject and writing your main idea in one sentence
Deciding which ideas to include
Arranging ideas in a plan or outline
Writing
Writing the first draft
Rethinking, rearranging, and revising as necessary
Revising
Writing one or more new drafts
Proofreading for grammar and spelling
(Fawcett, 2011, pp. 3-4)
Fawcett, S. (2011). Evergreen: A guide to writing with readings (9th edition). Boston: Wadsworth, a part of
Cengage Learning.
Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, Senior Professional Educator
Cengage Learning | Engagement Services
Peer-to-Peer Faculty Development and Consulting
800.856.5727 | [email protected] | www.cengage.com/teamup
DEFINITION
The Writing Process
PREWRITE
WRITE
REVISE
Jot it Down 1
What are some actions with which students are already familiar that rely on a systematic approach or
a process in order to yield a successful final product?
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Think It Through 1
How might I teach my students the definition (components) of the writing process?
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Digging more deeply:
a. From where might students get ideas for their prewriting?
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b. What is the significance of each step in the process?
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c. Is it necessary to go through the writing process every time one writes? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, Senior Professional Educator
2
FUNCTION
• Allows time for discovery
• Reduces the pressure to present a "perfect" writing upon the first try
• Provides an organized process for moving from start to finish
• Improves one's writing skills
Jot It Down 2
Consider the actions/processes listed in Jot It Down 1. What would happen if a step in each process
is omitted or if some steps are done out of order?
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______________________________________________________________________
Think It Through 2
How might I teach my students what the writing process does?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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Digging more deeply:
a. Why is the writing process necessary?
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______________________________________________________________________
b. What might happen if any one step is skipped?
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c. What might happen if any steps are performed out of order?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, Senior Professional Educator
3
UTILITY
Students should use the writing process if they want to …
•
•
•
•
avoid running the risk of their writing looking drastically different.
yield a final product that shows they cared enough to think through their ideas.
demonstrate they know their thoughts are important.
ensure their messages get conveyed as they intended.
Jot It Down 3
Think about the bug activity. What is the advantage to following a process and thinking through
ideas?
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Think It Through 3
How might I teach my students how and when to use the writing process?
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Digging more deeply:
a. Is it possible to create a good piece of writing without using the writing process? Explain.
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b. Is an English/composition/writing class the only place where one uses the writing process?
______________________________________________________________________
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c. Who, besides students, uses the writing process?
______________________________________________________________________
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Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, Senior Professional Educator
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