Ways to Use Writing to Enhance Learning
Ways to Use Writing to Enhance Learning
1. Quick Write – an informal writing activity that prepares students for learning and focuses their attention.
2. One-Minute Paper – used at the beginning or end of class Example topics:
· Create a bumper sticker that would summarize yesterday’s lecture.
· Without referring to the text, jot down one or two points that surprised you.
· Summarize in one to two sentences the most important ideas in today’s lesson.
3. Journals
· Reading Response Journals – analytical or affective.
· Reflection Journals – encourages reflection, critical thinking, analysis, and metacognition.
· Learning Logs – focuses on process learning, critical thinking, clarification, summarizing, evaluation, synthesis, and translation (content area examples: Clinical Logs, Field Journals).
4. Microthemes
· Short Writing Assignments (Microtheme) with a draft that is required to be looked at by the Learning Center.
· One-Minute Paper at the end of class – students summarize what was learned in class; quick reading helps teacher see how well students understand course material or what concepts are giving them trouble.
Dealing with Students’ Writing Problems
· Peer Review – can be done in class or outside of class; allows students to become teachers and learners.
· Encourage the Writing Process – ask students to turn in a draft and require it to be looked over for specific content and editing by the Learning Center
