Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Knipper and Duggan’s article and chapter 8
Knipper and Duggan’s article and chapter 8 in the book both deal with different writing to learn strategies. I really enjoyed reading these because they contain some very interesting writing strategies and how to incorporate them into my classroom. The article describes how writing enhances comprehension and how we need to have more knowledge on a topic in order to be able to write about it. How are we supposed to write about something that we do not fully comprehend? Writing on a particular subject requires a much deeper knowledge than some other forms of assessment. Writing is a great way for teachers to gauge a student’s knowledge and it can help comprehension in many different ways. Many people rarely concentrate on what they are reading unless they are going to be tested on the material. I have noticed that I, myself, am much more careful when reading before having to write an essay or learning log on a particular topic. Before writing this blog, I am very careful when reading the material. I go through the reading carefully taking down notes and highlighting because I know I will be asked to comprehend the material on a higher level. Do you think most people would concentrate more on the material, and try their best to fully comprehend it if they were going to have to write about it? If I was not asked to blog on these articles, I may be inclined to not pay as much attention to the reading; therefore, I would not comprehend it as well. The Knipper and Duggan article described many different strategies from structured note taking to learning logs. I love the idea of learning logs. I think it is a wonderful idea to have students read and then reflect on what they have read. Writing is an excercise that enhances students thinking and learning, while increasing their understanding. Chapter 8 had some really good ideas on how to incorporate writing into content areas. Writing is very important in student learning and should always be incorporated into every content area.
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Mike,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point on the argument of focusing more on what is being given to read in the event of an effect. Many people are not concerned with the material being read and simply just want to "read" it as soon as possible. Learning log and other types of reflections are great as well but can also become hindrances. Students often feel as if they are required to regurgitate so much "comprehension" to show the teacher that they understand. If more emphasis were placed on the true substance of the matter, students would feel more freedom to express their opinions. Teachers should strongly emphasize that is not the amount of writing that matters but simply the knowledge behind it. On another note, comprehension is key. What strategies, from a male perspective, do you think my male students would better respond to? Unfortunately, I am only limited to understanding the female viewpoint. Great Post, keep up the good work!
Hey Mike, I especially appreciate this comment in your posting, "Writing on a particular subject requires a much deeper knowledge than some other forms of assessment. Writing is a great way for teachers to gauge a student’s knowledge and it can help comprehension in many different ways." Many people have mentioned writing proves better understanding, but better than what? I like the way you phrase your statement to compare it to other assessments. So my question for you would be, which assessments require less deep knowledge than writing?, or better, when would you use writing to assess and how and why?
ReplyDeleteAlso like this, "Before writing this blog, I am very careful when reading the material. I go through the reading carefully taking down notes and highlighting because I know I will be asked to comprehend the material on a higher level. Do you think most people would concentrate more on the material, and try their best to fully comprehend it if they were going to have to write about it? If I was not asked to blog on these articles, I may be inclined to not pay as much attention to the reading; therefore, I would not comprehend it as well." My experience is that you represent many people, if you didn't have to write, you probably wouldn't read as closely. And since when we come to class I'm expecting you to have read so we can experience the ideas for ourselves, weekly blogs become important.
I admit, I really like Kaycee's question too, is there a male/female difference when thinking about what strategies to use with writing?
Quick feedback, since you're highlighting and reading closely, post a little bit more from your readings. Again, length is the most imp, but evidence that you've covered the reading fully is appropriate, and I've found it's difficult to show in a single para. Dr. B