BLOG 6

“The strength of support lies in terminology and classification.”

When writing, support is just as important as the topic or main idea. The text explains that encouraging students to be specific with the use of proper language and terminology as the best way to do so. I definitely agree, as I have stated in previous blog, each industry has its own language. Advising students to strengthen their vocabulary is something all educators should do. When writing across the curriculum the language will vary but a solid writer should always demonstrate understanding in each field/subject by employing the correct vocabulary. Correct use of words in writing allows the reader to grasp a better understanding of the information being conveyed. Effective writing will be of use to students in any subject. I am almost sure that proper use of key words accompanied by proper grammar and spellings are all indicators that the writer has knowledge about the subject he or she is writing about.

I think the document based questions are a really good strategy for extracting pertinent information from a text. It can also be used to double check one’s own writing for clarity and detailed facts. I would definitely use this checklist in the classroom. I think after students use the checklist a few times, they would begin writing with these parameters in mind. Supporting thesis statements and topic sentences in their writing would become second nature. I would like to make use of devices such as document based questions, it assist students with providing details by use of appropriate language.

Many students lack the ability to display synthesis through writing even if they understand. During my student teaching opportunities I have assessed students for comprehension of text. Many of them are able to explain verbally but they don’t have the tools to transfer the same thoughts into coherent writing. As we said in class, summaries are the most common form of writing so students tend to summarize. I think students would rather show they understand what they have read. Teachers have to provide students with strategies such as document based questions that promote comprehension. Not long after experiencing the difference between paraphrasing and displaying comprehension, students will begin to notice the difference in how effective their writing can be when the correct terminology is used.