This week's reading is kind of close to my heart - grammar and writing, the best possible combination.
The MCM chapters discuss the teaching of writing as a process, an approach first introduced and popularized by Peter Elbow in the 1970-s. basically, process writing involves pre-writing/brainstorming activities, several drafts, and peer reviews. This emphasis on revision process is meant to help students develop a more careful attitude to their writing, keeping in mind the writing audience and purpose.
There is an on-going huge debate on how grammar should be taught, and how it can be combined with the writing instruction. it would sound weird coming from a grammar-freak like me, but I don't teach grammar in my composition class. At this stage I am more concerned with their ideas, and critical thinking skills, or lack of those. I might comment on grammar as I am going through the paper and then explain the rule/refer them to a section in handbook, but that's about all. and I strongly encourage them to take advantage of the Center for Academic Success. I sometimes talk in class about the mistakes that everyone makes and that drive me up the wall, which are there-their-they're and its-it's. Brrr.
With ESL students (depending on the proficiency level) grammar instruction may be necessary. In that case it needs to be as context-embedded, contextualized, and meaningful as possible.
1 comment:
I was taking ESL writing class from Karen when I got here at the first semester. Process writing was focused on the class, which involved pre-writing activities, several drafts, and peer reviews. I agree like you said that it helped me develop a more careful attitude to my writing.
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