Re: student writing proficiency
Writing is a skill, and it can be taught. I taught freshman composition forBased on my seven years as an instructor and my personal experience, I agree. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the myth that a good writer is born, not made, is one of the most damaging myths of our times. Or maybe it's an excuse for not making the effort, or for making those with the gift feel good about themselves.
2 year, and I saw very weak writers improve dramatically - some even became
very solid writers.
It takes a lot of practice, just like with anything. I talked to a
programmer a while back, and he was adament about how pitifully prepared
programmers were at graduation. Oh, they new the language well, but actually
coding efficiently was something gained only through practice.
Whatever the case, I do know that, like Jeff, I have seen some very unpromising writers improve with practice. I have also talked with a fair number of professional writers, and very few did not practice - and, often, have considerable failures - before being successful.
Obviously, not everyone starts with the same advantages. But I'm convinced that most people can become competent writers if they're motivated to practice and to evaluate their mistakes.
--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604.421.7177
http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield
"But the price that we would really pay,
I didn't see it then:
March until your feet get sore,
You never dance again."
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References:
RE: student writing proficiency: From: Jeff Hanvey
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