United States
A TA's Guide to Teaching Writing in All Disciplines
First Edition©2004 Beth Finch Hedengren
Written specifically for teaching assistants responsible for WAC or WID courses, A TA's Guide to Teaching Writing in All Disciplines provides the practical advice that teaching assistants — no matter the discipline — need in order to teach and evaluate writing effectively. This informative text is perfectly suited to a teaching assistants' training course, or it can serve as a reference for teaching assistants to use on their own.
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Learn MoreTable of Contents
Preface for Faculty
Preface for TAs
Part I: What You Teach When You Teach Writing
Preface for TAs
Part I: What You Teach When You Teach Writing
CHAPTER 1
Getting Started — How to Use This Book
About This Book
Writing Theory
Teaching Techniques
Book Features
Web Site Features
Conclusion
CHAPTER 2
Why (and How) We Teach Writing
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)
Writing to Learn 10
Writing in the Disciplines (Learning to Write)
The Writing Process
Conclusion
CHAPTER 3
Prewriting
Explaining Writing Assignments
Using Detailed Assignment Instructions and Grading Rubrics
Helping Students Find and Focus Their Topics
Listing
Freewriting
Clustering
Talking
Writing-to-Learn Assignments as Invention
Coaching Related Skills
Research
Reading
Conclusion
CHAPTER 4
Drafting
Getting Ideas Down on Paper
Developing a Controlling Objective or Thesis Statement
Science Writing
Thesis Statements
Finding an Appropriate Structure
Paragraphing
Unity
Development
Coherence
Conclusion
CHAPTER 5
Revising
Global Revision
Peer-Review Groups
Provide Guidelines
Plan and Manage the Process
Hold Students Accountable
Conclusion
CHAPTER 6
Editing
Style
Voice
Specialized Language
Mechanics, Usage, Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
Conclusion
CHAPTER 7
Publishing
Classroom Publishing
Oral Presentations
Class Books
Posters
Institutional Publishing
Contests
Symposia
Journals
Conclusion
Part II: Ways to Teach Writing
CHAPTER 8
One-on-One Writing Conferences (Office Hours)
Prepare Carefully
Begin the Conference
Use Questions to Draw the Student Out
Use Activities to Get the Student Involved in Revision
When Appropriate, Teach Skills and Concepts
Use Constructive Praise to Build Students’ Confidence
Conclusion
CHAPTER 9
In-Class Help Sessions and Workshops
Planning a Workshop
Ideas for Workshop Activities
Conclusion
CHAPTER 10
Commenting on Student Writing
Problems in Communicating through Written Commentary
Comments That Promote Improved Writing Skills
Responding as an Audience
Guiding Substantive Thought
Encouraging Skills Improvement
Providing a Positive Environment
Guidelines for Writing Effective Commentary
Read the Paper Once without Marking It
Comment on Substantive Issues
Pick Your Battles
Respond Respectfully as a Reader
Make It Clear That Surface Errors Matter, But Don’t Edit the Paper
Write a Substantive Endnote to Summarize Your Comments
Conclusion
Beth Finch Hedengren
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