Describe YOUR process: How do you write? Can you think of things that might make the process more successful? How do you think we should value “process” in our classes?
My writing process is all over the board. In high school, they stress specific points to write about, but don’t deviate from that standard. I’m shocked I got into college, let alone grad school because I’ve been so dependent on this type of learning. However, this semester I have been making an effort to, as Kellyanne puts it, “intellectually vomit” on my papers more often. I find that once I get all the garbage out of my head and onto the paper, then I can leave it behind. While I’m not too thrilled about writing several drafts, I believe it is the best way for me to write. On that note, I believe that students should make the same effort when writing. Granted, most of them just want to get the assignment done without having to worry about their writing style or process for that matter, but some students are willing to go through that process. A few may need to write several drafts, some will write outlines and the rest will just wing it in hopes that it will make sense on its own. (lol)
I definitely believe that we should value process in classes. While there are several different ways to teach, within those modes are ways to learn and write. I think an exercise touching on the major types, say at the beginning of the year, will help students figure out how they like to write. For example, they have to respond to a prompt using a different voice, perspective or way of thinking such as expressive or mimetic mode of writing. Afterwards, have them compare their results and have a class discussion over what they like best, didn’t like, had a hard time with, etc. This may be an overreaching assignment, but it’s something the students and teacher alike can benefit from, I think.
amieksheffer said,
September 22, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I think Kellyanne should copyright the phrase “intellecutally vomit!” It is excellent advice, and something I am trying to do more often as well. I agree that we should give the students exercises to practice the writing process. I really think so many of them completely skip over it- maybe because they are unaware, or maybe because they are lazy. Either way, I think it is important to stress the process in class.
oabernethy said,
September 29, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I agree! I think students are lazy when it comes to writing because they think it will be difficult or too much to do. I believe if we show them how to fully flesh out their writing process, then they will not only become more confident, but willing to sit down and write because it won’t be such an arduous task.
micahheatwole said,
September 22, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Students will all come to class with different motivation levels. Some will embrace the writing and revision process and others will do everything they can to resist it. I think it is up to the teacher to help each student find what gets them writing.
Victoria said,
September 23, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I like that you emphasize the importance of offering students several different style options in terms of ways to write their papers. As we discussed in class, it happens way too often that a professor has just one way that he or she likes to write and consequently only teaches the students that one method. As we all know, a single method rarely works for an entire group.
tanajuko said,
September 23, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I think the most important thing is that some kind of process is developed. As writers we know that everyone starts, continues, and finishes their writings differently but I think as teachers we need to explain this to our students. An effective process for writing is essential for good writing but that process can vary from writer to writer. So, your assignment would be a great way to discover a process…
oabernethy said,
September 29, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Thank you! We all come from different background/contact zones/etc that contribute to our conception of writing and the writing process that can be benefitial. Collaboration with others is also a key element, whether it be through proofreading or spitting out ideas and seeing which ones stick.
Becky said,
October 27, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Alas, others have referenced the “vomit draft” long before Kellyanne.
I’m intrigued that you said you were encouraged to follow formats/formulas. Do you think that was good at all? Did it give you a base? How did it affect your ability to write?
In other words, could it be GOOD for students to learn to write in a very closed fashion, then expand their horizons? Or should they not have that experience?