Chapter 11- Developing Content Area Writers

When reading through chapter 11, there were several headings that caught my attention. The heading “Writing to Learn” was an interesting section. This section discusses high school students who are not well prepared for the writing expectations in college or in the workplace. The book asks the question “How can it be that so many students are so ill prepared to use writing effectively?” In the section, the book mentions that students are given various writing assignments at different schools. I think that high school is when students should learn and be exposed to the several types of writing. The main thing that students should realize is that there is a purpose for writing, and the students should recognize their purpose for the writing assignments.

When I was in high school, I was required to complete several writing assignments. Most of these writing assignments consisted of research papers that had to be five paragraphs. I thought these assignments were hard until I took English Composition in college. I realized the assignments in high school were not anything compared to the college assignments. I noticed that several people mention that students should be prepared in high school for these lengthy papers in college. I believe that high school teachers should incorporate more time for effective writing assignments in high school. I think most teachers assign writing assignments for homework, but they do not allow students to practice writing during the class time. For example, my high school teachers did not model or teach me how to be an effective writer.

Another heading that caught my eye was titled “Guiding Students’ Writing to Learn.” I believe that educators should encourage and teach students to use graphic organizers to plan and organize their writing. I do not remember using graphic organizers when I was in high school. We had to brainstorm ideas and list the ideas on paper. I think it is important and valuable for high school students to create journals, learning logs, and stories to improve their writing ability. In connection with the journals, learning logs, and stories, I believe students should be required to write reflections and other argumentative papers which will help train them for college writing.

Technology Experience

I was introduced to SmartBoard and PrometheanBoard last semester. Dr. Fox had a lady to come talk to us about the PrometheanBoad last semester. I have used the SmartBoard for presentations. I really do not know a whole lot about either one of the devices. I have not had any hands-on experiences with the devices besides doing a presentation. I believe that if we could have more hands-on experiences with the devices in the classrooms, then I would be more familiar with each one. I learn best through hands-on. When someone is explaining the devices, I do not learn much because I am not actually doing it myself. I hope to learn more about both and have the opportunity to use both throughout the semester in this class so I will prepared to use either one in my future classroom. :)