Writing has become an essential way of communication in a technological world in which our voice has been transformed into written words, through text messages, e-mails, and documents widely used and published by everyone. By being a critical issue, students are compelled to learn College-level writing in college; although, the effectiveness of Academic Writing is a discussion among scholars its relevance should not be neglected. For some educators, academic writing does not add practicality to the students' future career communication; for others, college-level writing is an essential learning tool. Moreover, students are struggling in understand academic writing real usefulness and try to avoid this discipline. However, many factors have …show more content…
According to Trafimow et al., via other sources by multiple authors, “there is extensive data showing that writing is good for students. More specifically, Angelo and others all contend that writing impacts positively student learning, ability to think critically and ability to reflect on course material” (Trafimow et al. 05). In fact, critical thinking, as making objective judgments by well-supported reasons and clear statement arguments, is one of the skills required for almost all careers. For that reason, Academic Writing not only helps students to acquire knowledge and vocabulary but also it turns their communication skill more efficient in all areas.
The approach and the way of teaching writing have changed over time; however, the demand for this type of learning has increased, as well the need for better-written communication in various environments. As Subeom Kwak explains in Approaches Reflected in Academic Writing MOOCs, in the 1950's writing was focused on linguistics; "from the 1960s, a cognitive perspective has helped researchers to determine which strategies would be effective for students" (Kwak 139); in 1971 "the study had a major impact on research trends on writing as a process" (Kwak 140); in 1980's Hayes & Flower says, “Researchers also started to focus on audience goals based on the cognitive process model" (Kwak 140). Kwak says that "Sexton, Harris, and Graham identify
The survey result Berrett includes shows that students see writing as “basically a performance”. Berrett also introduced an argument from the “Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing” report, which claims that writing is not a “linear process”. The author states that successful writing requires various processes, habits and experiences, such as “curiosity, flexibility, persistence and metacognition”. Since for most highschoolers, writing is ‘’framed as preparation of tests”, they do not have the opportunity to “develop ideas or raise prose”. The author suggests the students require change in their mindset of writing. However, the only evidence the author provides is from a students’ self-reported survey, instead of actual writing assignments. This rather subjective evidence results in a less convincing argument. Despite this flaw in logic, I personally agree with the author. I find the transformation of writing from high school to university is challenging. The main reason is that my writing experience back then was more about “following directions”. The format and structure of the writing assignment was provided, and all the information I need was spoonfed to me. As a result, there was no researching and developing my own idea, and in the first week of university, when I was asked to write a lab report with my own theory, I brainstormed for hours before eventually generated one. Nevertheless, I hold onto the hope that improvements on creativity in writing can be made as I gradually develop my “curiosity, flexibility, persistence and metacognition”. In general, although I agree with the author’s opinion, I felt his claim lacks
In Dan Berrett’s article, “Students Come to College Thinking They’ve Mastered Writing,” the idea of freshman thinking they are or must be a refined writer is discussed. Students may think this way coming into college, but their teachers do not. While students might feel satisfied and think that they are prepared with their writing skills, professors found that these students did not necessarily meet the expected level (Berrett 1). Many students reported that they would normally write around 25 hours every week. They said that most of those hours of writing was for more formal purposes like passages to make changes in society (Berrett 1). It was found that one reason the new students might feel this way is that their assumptions about writing differed greatly from those of faculty members and their expectations. One big thing that students will not get for a while, is that good writing is not just listed as a bunch of steps one is to follow that automatically make one’s writing good. Good writing requires one to be in different mental states; it requires the understanding of how to write for different audiences and different reasons (Berrett 2). Berrett includes in the article that writing is not just universal and that in order to do very well, writers must use different forms of writing specifically for their purpose (2). It seems as though students think that, before they even take a class, they are supposed to know everything about writing; in reality, they are supposed to learn new skills and enhance others (Berrett 2). Berrett says that many believe the schools these students previously attended with their test focus might cause these feelings about writing (2). Berrett ends his article by saying that students these days do not think that informal writing actually counts as writing, and that students should practice writing for informal purposes because it can help them (2). Even if they feel like it, students are not fully prepared to write in all contexts when they arrive at college.
Writing consists of self expression, an outlet of creativity to communicate ideas. An individualism thought, purpose, and goal we are able to carry out towards our intended audience. Writing allows us to credit those who have impacted our lives positively. Furthermore, Academic essay writing is an important and effective piece in one’s life in order to gain knowledge that will allow us to present our ideas clearly and logically. Furthering your education consist of constantly writing papers in many college courses in order to convey your message across, therefore, it is important to be aware of how Academic Writing impacts ones education. Lucy Maud Montgomery, Edgar Allen Poe, and William
Writing is something everyone has to learn in life. People brainstorm when they sit down to write. Letters, essays, and research papers are different forms of writing. Writing can entertain, inform, or persuade an audience. Everybody follows a different process when writing. In this course, I hope to improve my thinking and writing skills.
Weekly, one-page response papers are assigned based on their readings, which helps students understand my writing expectations, and gain confidence as the transition from generalized and vague language to academic writing. In class writing assignments, which deal with key questions from their reading, also helps students make the transition. After reading “Why I Write” by Joan Didion, I invite students to write a short essay about their writing process. Each reading and writing assignment escalates in difficulty, with the intention to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and overcome fear about their writing process, while increasing their academic language.
Kellogg, R. T., & Raulerson, Bascom A., I.,II. (2007). Improving the writing skills of college students. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review (Pre-2011), 14(2), 237-42. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204931203?accountid=458
Writing has been proven to have numerous benefits including enhancing creativity, reducing stress, improving problem solving and increasing goal achievement. In his book, Redirect, Tim Wilson shares the research and the science behind using writing to improve your life. Throughout this book, you will go through several of these scientifically proven writing exercises.
Writing is an essential way of communicating, what one has to convey. It is also a process, great writing doesn't happen over night, it takes practice. Writing for a grade is not an easy assignment, there are some highs, some lows, and even some peaks. Writing in college is a challenge. The medium plays an important role in the way we write and express our thoughts.
Writing is a every common in any institutions especially at a College school where every students must be expected to write a well-written and effective composition. No one is allowed to excuse with this task even if you think you can't write well.
Changes in technology and society have changed and will continue to transform the ways in which we think and communicate. Students must be ready for the new demands (Dixon, Cassady, Cross & Williams, 2005). In society, English forms the foundation for effective communication. Academic success requires writing skills (Castek et al, 2007). Writing is hard work; individuals think it is better to talk than write. Social and psychological factors such as social status, background, and age affect writing skills (Reeves & Stanford, 2009). Edwards-Groves (2011) rants that students must be taught the writing process. This will help students write in any situation. Writing should not be confined to just English classes but across all disciplines. Anecdotal evidence suggest students and faculty believe that learners improve their writing skills and subject area knowledge in writing across the disciplines (Hartley, Howe & McKeachie, 2001). All disciplines have their own form and conventions. If students are going to become better writers, they must write on a regular basis.
Many college students do not enjoy writing. They look at writing as a trivial task that is required in courses that are within the field of study of English and liberal arts. However, writing is essential to all fields of study, whether big or small. This isn’t known to all college students; they neglect to see the aspects of writing in their particular field of study before pursuing it. I am familiar with this problem. I began my college journey as a pre-Business Administration student. I had no idea what types of writing were involved in my major. I thought that I’d only be writing for my English and General Education(GE) courses. I did and do enjoy writing, so I never thought of writing as a chore. As I complete my major’s pre-requisite courses, I thought of the role of writing in my field of study, which is Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems(MIS.)
According to Debrine Mascle, in her article “Writing Self-Efficacy and Written Communication,” the importance of effective writing and communication skills continues to be essential to learning, working, and continuously living in our 21st-century (218). Writing is used to improve learning and to provoke critical thinking. Although there is extensive hidden writing fear among students, it can be overcome by immersing in it and by the help of valuable tools.
My experience with my academic writing it comes from the past years in different classes, that I have taken here in Texas Tech University. I have taken some couple classes in the science department, a law class. In my law class I had to write an academic paper, explain the different types a law that will apply in a wind energy industry. This academic writing was done in the law class, but that was different from English class. The writing in the science class was little bit like the writing that was done in English 1301 at South Plains. My experience in the class was to compare and summaries article that was chosen by the professor. In this class, it helps me to improve my writing skills little bit more that my high school English. One of my weaknesses in writing is my grammar, that I will go in depth by going to the writing center and other helpful resources. In 1302 I will learn more in depth how to write a research paper, so that I can go more in depth on my work and can use all the different sources on an essay paper. Me intend to build my strength to get better on my grammar is to make sure that I read aloud for my research or argument paper that will be writing for this semester. My goal for this class is to finish with a good grade and learn a lot from the professor. Also, to make sure that I use all help that I get from the class that I will be attending during this semester.
To become an author, you’ll have to learn how to integrate other people’s data or information and use it to make your writing or ideas stronger because you have a stronger support.” Writing emerges from writing “ -Sommers(pg.420). It adds a stronger substance into your ideas. As an academic writer in either middle school, high school or college, academic writing will make your paper stronger. You can use other people writing to make readers understand your topic better. You can compare other views or compare other people’s thought to explore other perspectives with the reader. Also, when readers can tell that you’ve done your own research, the writer shows that they have a good understanding of the topic they are writing about. Makes your paper seem more reliable because of your sources. There’s a credibility created. There are several methods you can use to put other people’s work into your writing. You can paraphrase, quote the writer's words, summarise and synthesizing. Paraphrasing is taking the writer words and re-writing it in your own words to help your point. Summarising taking a shortened version of the writers words. Quoting is copying the exact words of the writer. Academic writing also have the characteristics of having a clear sense of purpose and audience.The method that’s used mainly in our class is answering the “ So What” question.. Why does the issue matter or what does it have to do with me? Another concept I think is important in the process of
The definition of academic writing states” any writing done to fulfill a requirement of a college or university. Academic writing is also used for publications that are read by teacher and researchers or presented at conferences.” I think lab reports can be a part of this category. It has multiple writing parts as well as analyzing parts required by your professors or teachers. But there is a big difference between the level of difficulties from high school and college.