Embracing Writing: Ways to Teach Reluctant Writers in Any College Course

by Gary R. Hafer, Maryellen Weimer (Foreword)

Embracing WRITING Embracing Writing responds to the writing-across-the-curriculum movement in a way that enables educators to integrate writing into their courses not just painlessly, but productively , instead of simply increasing their workloads with writing assignments that students dislike. Embracing Writing elucidates the principles of academic writing and shows instructors how to integrate writing with course content, blending them to enhance and deepen the higher education learning process.Scholarly writing is a central part of the academic experience and, when used effectively, can be an outstanding pedagogical tool. The creative approach in Embracing Writing will have you looking at writing in a whole new way. Not only will your students appreciate the honest, nurturing, and fun writing assignments, but your own writing will improve as well. This is not a rulebook for writers, but a guided approach to viewing writing and content as one indivisible whole. Embracing Writing will help Engage students in writing assignments that actually help them develop their writing abilityUnderstand what makes good collegiate writing and how it can aid in content discoveryDiscover new pathways for your own writing so writing for publication and the classroom is enjoyable againDevelop a writing pedagogy that doesn't detract from core course content deliveryThere often is a disconnect between administrative demands for in-course writing and the inadequate training resources available to faculty members. Because most of us aren't trained as writers, we need a meaningful way to connect writing to our areas of expertise. Embracing Writing provides that connection.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Christine Zibas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Author Gary Hafer is a writing professor, he's also part of a movement called Writing Across Curriculum (WAC). This educational method for college students embraces the idea of incorporating writing skills as a teaching method. That is, writing can advance content learning in any discipline.

Hafer peppers his book with examples from his own teaching methods, and for those who need a step-by-step process, he offers that as well, providing examples of his syllabus, quizes, and grading techniques. Hafer posits that not only can this method help students write and learn better, it can also enhance the skills of teachers as well.

For those with objections -- Just how do I do that? -- Hafer offers realistic steps that any college professor can adapt for his or her own classroom. Those who don't need this hand-holding advice, however, may find that the text in his book tends to repeat itself, particularly in the appendices, where he virtually rewrites the whole thesis of his book again in outline form.

Still, if one can overlook this repetition, there are plenty of good ideas for professors and writers alike. If the best example for students is for professors to showcase their own work, Hafer leads the charge. Such ideas are the meat of the book and can be revolutionary in the right hands and with the right touch. Writing as learning...it's a brilliant idea.

[Jocelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hafer shares his own teaching practice, including lots of free-writing in class and one-on-one conferences (short ones!). I picked up a few ideas but overall I had trouble with the book's style. I am so used to "research-has-shown-that-this-works-for-students" books that I couldn't relate very well to "this-is-what-works-for-me-as-a-teacher."