I firmly believe any student can be taught to write. However, a teacher cannot expect one technique to accommodate the needs of every pupil. That is a misconception which rears its ugly head during writing workshops (when the main focus is exclusively on the writing test). In the article Graves recalls a discussion with Nancie Atwell about a student who was unable to write from a personal narrative point-of-view. The student was eventually able to express his inner turmoil from a narrative stance. The instructor recognized the student wanted to compose the paper, but the approach did not fit his needs. Writing should allow the opportunity for a student to uncover the truth about his "wants." I agree with Atwell when she stated that "writing is a way to make sense of things" (2).
The author states that for children to have an authentic voice, the teacher must be the one to demonstrate the truth of situations. One must also be willing to help a student bridge the connection between their wants and the solutions which only authentic writing can provide. Teachers must be willing model the writing process by verbally walking the students through the steps beginning with topic selection, brainstorming, and stance. By allowing children to observe the "truth in writing," students will hopefully imitate this form.
Teachers who are willing to learn from their own writing are definitely risk takers. They often inquire what their students are learning from their drafts. They want each assignment to be meaningful and relevant. Oftentimes, students feel so removed from the topics, that writing remains an isolated activity. Educators must be willing to determine how to uncover the truth from each young writer.
I also feel like a hypocrite because I also must teach a "formula approach" to writing. I personally feel we as educators are doing our students a great disservice. Unfortunately, we also realize the consequences of not presenting this format. I remain very torn on how to approach writing. I wonder if anyone else feels this way...
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2 comments:
I understand the feeling of being torn...
Here's a question for you--do you believe that students in middle school and high school still need "practice" writing? Should we provide this place/space for them?
Yes, I believe that middle school teachers and high school teachers need to practice writing whether it's creative writing or writing for a test. It is our responsibility to teach good writing if nothing else than to be an educated person.
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