GROWTH UNLOCKED: Unit One

The reflections in this section focus on growth after exploring Unit 1, highlighting how writing can influence the approach to fostering creativity, collaboration, and meaningful writing experiences in the classroom.

Unit 1 

The major trends in the teaching of writing

          Reflecting at the major trends in teaching writing helps me see how these changes can shape my role as a practice teacher. Writing used to be all about grammar, spelling, and disconnected writing tasks, but now it is more about putting students at the center. Creativity, personal expression, and making writing meaningful are the big focus. This shift makes me realize that my job as practice teacher, is not just about teaching rules of writing but helping students find their voices and use writing as a way to express themselves and to connect with others.

          One important trend is the writing method. This technique focuses on viewing writing as a journey rather than simply a finished product. It encourages students to actively engage in each step of writing: brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing. Through this approach, students will develop a more precise understanding of how their ideas take shape and evolve over time. By using process writing, I can guide students not just to complete their assignments, but to develop their thoughts more clearly, improve their drafts, and confidently share their work with others. For example, in a Grade 3 classroom, I might introduce a writing activity where students describe their favourite animal. First, I would have them brainstorm their thoughts by creating a list of interesting facts or qualities about their chosen animal. Then, they would write a rough draft based on these ideas. Afterward, I could pair students to exchange drafts and give feedback to each other. Once feedback is received, they would revise their work, refining sentences and adding details. Finally, after editing for grammar and spelling, they would publish their final piece, perhaps by creating a poster or reading it aloud to the class. This step-by-step process improves their writing and builds their confidence in expressing ideas.

          Another important trend is the use of writing workshops. In these workshops, students are provided with the privilege to select topics that are relatable and relevant to them. This method gives students a sense of ownership over their work, which naturally encourages them to engage with their content. Using this approach, they are not just following instructions but are involved in what they are writing about. As a practice teacher, I want to create an environment where my students feel excited about their writing. I can do this by encouraging them to explore topics that they are interested in. For instance, if we are studying animals, I can invite each student to pick their favourite animal to research. If one student wants to write about dolphins, they will conduct the necessary research to learn everything they can about them. Meanwhile, another student might be captivated by elephants and want to share their knowledge about them. During the writing workshop, I would guide them as they research and organize their thoughts, helping them draft and revise their work. This process not only enhances their writing skills but also allows students to share their discoveries about their chosen animals with their classmates.

          Collaborative writing gives students a chance to work together, share ideas, and learn from their peers. This trend helps create a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Learning from each other becomes just as important as learning from the teacher. Collaborative writing is a way to help students improve their writing skills and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. To justify this point, when  students gather to read and give feedback on each other’s work, it really helps them discover new writing styles and techniques. It is a smart way for them to analyse sentence structure, spelling patterns, and grammar. This kind of peer interaction lets them see where their strengths are and where they might need a little more practice. Plus, hearing feedback from a friend can feel a lot less intimidating than getting it from a teacher, making it easier for them to open up and engage in the process.

          The integration of technology in writing is another key trend. Today, students are using digital platforms to write, edit, and even publish their work. Tools like word processors, blogs, and collaborative platforms such as Google Docs have made writing more accessible and interactive. I can incorporate these technologies into my teaching practice, making writing more engaging and relevant to my students. One effective way to use technology in writing assignments is to have students write a script for a short video or a book report and then record themselves reading it. Platforms like Flipgrid enable students to easily record and share their videos. This method not only helps them practice their speaking and presentation skills but also reinforces their writing, as they must carefully consider their words and delivery. By integrating these technological elements, my students can develop a sense of belonging.

          There is a growing recognition of writing across the curriculum. Writing is no longer confined to language arts but is being integrated into all subject areas. This approach encourages students to see writing as a tool for thinking and learning, no matter the subject. As a practice teacher, this trend will help me connect writing to real-world applications in subjects such as science, social studies, and math. By encouraging students to express their understanding through writing, I can help them connect their comprehension across different subjects. These trends will provide me with the opportunity to create a more engaging, student-centered writing environment during my teaching practice.