Writing Across the Curriculum

Definition

This strategy engages students directly in the subject matter of the course through a variety of activities that focus on writing as a means of learning.

When to Use

  • Utilize in all content areas to deepen understanding

Types

  • Journal Writing: Journals are an informal place for students to summarize their thoughts and think about class content, no matter what the subject.
  • Think-Pair-Share: After a lecture or presentation, invite the children to record their thoughts. Then pair them up with another student and have them discuss the topic. Finally, open the discussion up to the whole class.
  • Quick-Writes: Quick-writes are great ways to get students to practice writing and critical thinking skills. They’re designed to focus the student’s thinking. Set a timer for 10-20 minutes and give the children a writing prompt. You can show them an historical picture, read a quote from your favorite scientist or ask them to write about how they’d use a math theory in real life. Not only are quick-writes quick to write, they’re incredibly quick to review as well.
  • Self-Assessments: Throughout the year invite the students to write about how they think they’re doing in class
  • Real World Writing: For example, mathematicians write theorems and textbook problems. Scientists write lab reports. Journalists in all fields write articles. Have the kids create a website or a pamphlet for some real world writing experience.
  • Research Projects: Ask your students to write research-based arguments, not just persuasive arguments. The goal is for all children to become self-directed learners that are adept at researching (and writing about) a wide variety of subjects.

Steps to Consider

  • Determine which learning target will be assessed through a writing activity
  • Choose the type of writing activity
  • Ensure students know how it will be assessed
  • Assess the level of understanding in the writing activity
  • Use a rubric for consistency with scoring

Benefits

  • Writing aids retention. It helps children remember and understand material much more than passive forms of learning like reading and listening.
  • Writing increases the depth of knowledge on a subject and helps students master any specialized vocabulary or terminology related to the topic.
  • Writing develops critical thinking skills. When a child has to research something, organize her thoughts and then write about it in a clear, concise way she’s flexing her mind.
  • Writing promotes independent thinking. In order to write, you have to have a point of view.
  • Writing is a great way to engage all of your students
  • Writing helps teachers monitor student progress and gauge their strengths and weaknesses. With regular writing assignments as part of your curriculum, you don’t have to wait for a big exam to see if the kids are getting it.

https://www.weareteachers.com/writing-across-the-curriculum-what-how-and-why/