Writing to Learn

1. Writing to Learn

2. Writing to Learn Defined Writing to Learn is a strategy through which students can develop their ideas, their critical thinking ability and their writing skills. Writing to Learn can be used as a formative assessment and as a way to scaffold from low- to high- stakes writing assignments.

3. High-Stakes Writing(To Demonstrate Learning) Formal academic writing (Research papers, formal essays, business proposals, etc.) Usually graded Expected to follow the conventions of formal academic prose Additional expectations for conventions may apply that are specific to disciplines (i.e. lab reports, technical writing, etc.)

4. Low-Stakes Writing(To Stimulate Learning) Less formal and used to stimulate thought, generate ideas and connections, keep students engaged and thinking during class, and/or give information about students’ understanding Formative tool, usually not graded Journals, Exit Tickets, Gallery Walk, Discussion Boards, Quick Writes, etc.

5. “I don’t know what I think until I write it down.” Norman Mailer “If you can’t put it into words, you don’t know it.” Faye Sellers

6. Think Time…… Explore Writing to Learn resources Highlight key points Make notes of connections made Brainstorm examples of low- and high- stakes writing activities Be prepared to share information

7. Writing to Learn Activity • Composean email to your teachers outlining… • Information you have learned about Writing to Learn, especially Low-Stakes Writing, as an instructional strategy • Your expectations for writing in all classrooms, including specific writing activities you want to see when visiting • Share your email with someone at your table • Share email with whole group