Teaching of Writing Circles

The first Teaching of Writing Circle was held today, and it was a great success! Thank you to everyone who attended. Kelly began by providing an overview of the HSPA (High School Proficiency Assessment) as well as some sample writing prompts. We then began a discussion about expectations of student writing at the secondary level and how such writing is largely driven by the test. There was so much to discuss--an hour simply doesn't feel like enough time.

Here is the information on the rest of this semester's Teaching of Writing Circles:

Teaching of Writing Circles: Fall 2009
12:30-1:30 in C-325

9.22 How does assessment impact our students’ writing abilities on the high school and college levels?
Prof. Kelly Keane will initiate the discussion through a brief presentation on the HSPA and preparation for college.

10.13 How do we establish objectivity in the writing classroom?
Prof. Stacey Balkan, Prof. Adam Goodell, and Dr. Alan Kaufman will initiate a discussion on failed methodologies that ultimately posit topic and not process as their locus of discussion; and they will likewise make a plea for alienation as a means of engendering critical reflection.

11.3 How do we make writing assignments relevant to students’ lives?
Dr. Jon Yasin will initiate a discussion on using hip hop generally and emcees more specifically to teach the writing process, academic dishonesty, and the importance of research.

11.24 How do we teach students to use detail in their writing to capture their audience?
Dr. Maria Makowiecka will initiate the discussion on using vivid detail in “Painting Pictures With Words.”

12.15 How political do we get in the writing classroom?
Prof. Laurie Lieberman will initiate the discussion of how she uses current politics and the voting process to address such issues as organizational skills, critical thinking skills, and various types of essay writing.