Essential Writing Research

The following articles contain practical research on writing in the classroom. As you read, consider [1] how effective each (a) Instructional Practice and (b) Mode is according to the research and [2] how it would work with your students. Follow-up with the questions for reflection under each bullet point.

1. Hillocks - The Best Ways to Teach Writing
1. Reorganize the 4 Instructional Practices (Grammar Instruction, Free Writing, Models, and Sentence Combining) in order of effectiveness.
2. Based on the research of Instructional Modes, what activities or lessons are the most beneficial for student learning?
2. Weiner - Designing Lesson Plans
1. Summarize the steps of Weiner’s “two formulas”.
2. How does Weiner’s Formulas compare to Hillock’s Instructional Practices and Modes? Which do you prefer?