This week I attended a professional development session on the topic of "writing across the curriculum." We worked in groups in order to come up with ideas as to how best we can incorporate writing specifically into science and math lessons/classrooms within our district.
The question here is truly a curriculum development and a philosophical question. How do you feel about writing across the curriculum? Should science and math lessons incorporate writing or should those lessons be devoted solely to learning the information that pertains to that discipline? Is it necessary for our scientists and mathematicians to develop into outstanding writers or is it enough that they are knowledgeable with regard to their subject matter? Is too much emphasis being placed on writing in each discipline?
And finally, how do you incorporate writing into your classroom..........in any subject? What helpful strategies do you use or have you used in your classroom(s) to improve writing skills?
It is my belief that in order to teach the whole child, students should be writing throughout the day and across curriculum. Writing is a skill that takes tremendous practice and lends itself to all disciplines and careers. In fact, it is my belief that if students are not encouraged and provided the time to write in these content areas they may not develop certain genres of writing. For instance, it is common for student to write narratives, poetry, and even some nonfiction in an ELA classroom. But rare that they are writing mathematically. The language, skills and supporting evidence being used in the different content areas can be very specific. Without this practice in school, I would worry that students would be ill-prepared as developed scientists and mathematicians. With respect to writing in my classroom, it make it a habit to write every day, either in response to reading or in writing workshop. I find that power writing is a great strategy to help students transfer their thoughts to their writing. Power writing is when students are asked to write for a short period of time without worrying about grammar usage or structure. It is to help students increase their writing stamina. It is my wish that students see themselves as writers and are more often able to practice the craft without the pressure of an assignments and teacher lead prompts.
ReplyDeleteI agree that students should be writing across the curriculum, but teachers - especially in math and science - need more assistance in developing the writers in their classrooms. The expectation should not be that they assume the role of a mini-ELA teacher. I would suggest pointing teachers toward The New York Times and NPR. Forget the politics of their editors and just look at what the writers are doing. They are covering every topic imaginable, and they do it with a flair that tries to appeal to the masses. This includes the science writers, who often refer to mathematical concepts in their stories. Teachers who delve into sources like these will eventually be moved by a story they didn't think they cared about. It might be worthwhile to have a faculty workshop in which teachers bring in samples of great writing on (what was previously thought to be) dry topics. Teachers can parse the stories for how the writers roped in the readers. Did they use great metaphors and similes? Did they have a clever way with vocabulary? Then bring those writing concepts into the science and math classroom and encourage students to use them. When all else fails, you can tap students' imaginations. Math and science is where most innovations are born. A writing prompt could be something like "We just learned about photosynthesis. Can you develop an idea for a science fiction movie that has a character that has photosynthetic ability?"
ReplyDeletePaul Brubaker
I believe that writing across all subject matters is important. Developing students to be good writers is crucial at this point in their learning. Students should be able to write about any subject matter. Though, I do believe that the way students write in different subject areas can be different. In Science and Math, writing is more concrete or procedural, while in Social Studies and ELA, writing is more abstract or theoretical. Teachers should be able to work departmentally based on subject area on how they want students to write based on their curriculum. I do not think writing in each class should all look the same. This might include bringing samples, discussing students prior methods/writing, or agreeing upon a writing starter for the students. If teachers are able to come to consensus in a department about how they want students to write about their subject areas, students will have a better ideas going from grade to grade having this knowledge of writing style. This will ultimately aid students writing every subject area.
ReplyDeleteMolly Allister
I believe that writing should be incorporated into each subject to a certain extent. I think that in order to be critical thinkers and to teach to a higher level students need to be able to rationalize and reason with their "responses" instead of simply answering the question.
ReplyDeleteFor example, this year I am teaching Math in Focus, which is a workshop based model. This model includes students journaling their "thinking" as part of the math strategy process.
Again, I believe writing should be included, but I don't believe it is necessary in the means of becoming stronger writers, but to incorporate higher level thinking/explaining.