Ch 2. Writing workshop

In this module, I can learn about overall writing workshop, three approaches that can apply to it, and its implementation with ESL/EFL students.

Writing workshop, generally consisting of several steps such as prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, is one of the most useful strategies in the point of view that “successful language learners tend to select strategies that work well together in a highly orchestrated way, tailored to the requirements of the language task.” (Chamot & Kupper, 1989). Teachers can provide students with language skills, how to organize and express their thoughts effectively, as well as knowledge of the topic which they wrote about through writing workshop. On the whole process, one thing we should keep in mind is that “writing is recursive not linear, in that writers jump back and forth from one activity to another as they write” (Tompkins, 6p). Regarding this, teacher should both apply proper approaches to each step of writing workshop partly, for example put product based approach into editing stage and put process based approach into prewriting stage, and focus more on what they think and do in process than their finished products with flexibility.

As Min-gyu Kim wrote, the most important factor in writing exercises is that students need to be personally involved in order to make the learning experience of lasting value. Writing is basically the form that expresses individual’s thoughts, so how a writer feels himself and perceives where he is in the writing process affect obviously his writing learning. At this point, when students understand the whole process and are involved in it totally, they can not only find the perfect process which fits into their personalities and writing styles and use it appropriately, but get the ultimate purpose of writing workshop which is being aware of, being familiar with, and advancing in writing to apply it to any projects.

Tompkins, G. (2008). Teaching writing: Balancing process and product. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Rebecca, O. (1994). Language Learning Strategies: An Update. ERIC Digest. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics Washington DC. Retrieved October 29, 2010, from http://www.ericdigests.org/1995-2/update.htm