Teaching Writing Process

Johns Hopkins University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teaching-writing-process

Introduction

### Course Review: Teaching Writing Process on Coursera In an age where effective communication is paramount, the ability to teach writing with clarity and purpose has never been more critical. The Coursera course titled **Teaching Writing Process** explores the evolution of writing instruction, rooted in the revolutionary writing process movement that emerged half a century ago. This course not only introduces educators to the methods that professional writers use, but it also equips them with practical strategies to enhance their own teaching practices. #### Overview The **Teaching Writing Process** course is designed to transform how educators perceive and approach writing instruction. It challenges the traditional view of writing as a mere product, emphasizing instead the processes that underpin successful writing. With a focus on inviting students to engage with writing meaningfully, this course encourages educators to create environments where writing is approached as an enjoyable and reflective endeavor. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is divided into four well-structured modules, each focusing on fundamental aspects of teaching writing: 1. **Inviting Writing:** This module addresses the common struggle educators face: motivating students to write. Rather than treating writing solely as an assessment tool, this segment promotes the idea of low-stakes writing assignments that can make the act of writing more accessible and enjoyable. By engaging in low-stakes writing, educators directly experience the challenges and triumphs their students face, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the writing journey. 2. **What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?** Reflecting on one's own educational experiences is critical in shaping a teacher's identity. In this module, participants are encouraged to contemplate their experiences as students, the evolution of writing instruction, and the kind of legacy they wish to leave as educators. This reflective practice is not merely a navel-gazing exercise; it is a powerful tool for developing a clear vision and intention behind one's teaching philosophy. 3. **Writing Process:** Here, the focus shifts to understanding the components of the writing process itself. Participants learn to define and appreciate the multifaceted nature of writing, seeing it as an iterative process rather than a linear path. This module equips educators with the knowledge needed to implement a process-oriented approach in their classrooms, fostering an environment where revision and reflection become integral parts of writing. 4. **Writing and Reflection:** The final module emphasizes the importance of reflection in writing education. Just as a mirror offers a clearer view of ourselves, reflective writing provides educators with insights into their teaching practices and personal growth. Participants practice reflective writing and consider how to incorporate this essential tool into their teaching toolkit, enhancing both their reflective skills and their students’ writing experiences. #### Recommendations The **Teaching Writing Process** course comes highly recommended for both new and experienced educators looking to refine their writing instruction strategies. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: - **Practical Application:** Each module provides actionable insights and entails practical exercises that educators can implement immediately in their teaching practices. - **Reflective Practice:** The course promotes a culture of reflection, encouraging educators to assess their methodologies and adapt their strategies for better student engagement and learning outcomes. - **Community of Learners:** Enrolling in this course also allows participants to connect with a global community of educators, fostering discussion, support, and shared learning experiences. #### Conclusion In conclusion, the **Teaching Writing Process** course on Coursera is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how to effectively teach writing. It challenges educators to rethink their approaches, making writing an inviting and reflective process for students. With practical applications, a focus on reflective practice, and a supportive learning community, this course is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their writing instruction. Whether you are a seasoned educator seeking new strategies or a novice looking to build effective teaching methods, this course will undoubtedly enrich your understanding and practice of teaching writing.

Syllabus

Module 1: Inviting Writing

Do you find yourself having to “make” your students write? Do you use writing mainly as a way to test students? What if you could find ways to “invite” your students to write, making the experience meaningful and even enjoyable for your students and yourself? In this module, after being introduced to the Teaching Writing specialization and considering the importance of good writing skills in virtually any career endeavor, learners will examine ways to “invite writing” from their students, identifying the characteristics and benefits of adding low-stakes writing to the more common approach of using writing as testing. They will practice low-stakes writing to experience firsthand the challenges and successes their students experience when writing.

Module 2: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?

When you were a student, how were you taught writing? When a former student comes back to visit you after ten years have passed, what would you like that former student to say about you as a teacher? In this module, learners will identify and reflect on how they were taught writing as students, and consider how the teaching of writing has changed over the last half century. Learners will also reflect on their own goals and values that will determine what kind of teacher they want to be.

Module 3: Writing Process

We’ve already used the term “writing process” a number of times. You’d probably encountered “the writing process” well before you started this course. You may even teach it to your students. But what is “the writing process,” exactly? How does it work, and how and why can it help your students improve as writers? In this module, learners will be introduced to writing as not just a product but a process. You’ll identify “the writing process,” its components and its many variations. You’ll examine how and why the process works as an effective approach to teaching writing. You’ll identify how the writing process movement led to not only a new approach to teaching writing, but to a new definition of what makes writing good. You’ll adapt your learning by creating an action plan for incorporating writing as process into your teaching.

Module 4: Writing and Reflection

Why do we look in mirrors? Even though we know what we look like, a mirror can give us a new or different, or just a more immediate and detailed view of how we perceive ourselves at that moment. Reflective writing is a way of providing that more immediate and detailed perspective on our learning. In this module, learners will identify the characteristics and value of using reflection as a tool for teaching writing. They’ll practice reflective writing by examining what they have learned in this course and how they might incorporate that learning into their teaching practice.