Cover: A TA's Guide to Teaching Writing in All Disciplines, 1st Edition by Beth Finch Hedengren

A TA's Guide to Teaching Writing in All Disciplines

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First  Edition©2004  Beth Finch Hedengren

ISBN:9781319023089

ISBN:9780312407148

About

Written specifically for teaching assistants responsible for WAC or WID courses, A TAs 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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Table of Contents

Preface for Faculty

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