Let Them Write: Why Writing Lessons Need More Writing ✍️📖

As an experienced teacher trainer, I witnessed a recurring issue in countless writing lessons: too much talking, not enough writing. Students spend the majority of their time listening to teachers explain the intricacies of writing, rather than actually putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

The Typical Scenario:

• 📌 First, they listen to lengthy explanations about essay structure.

• 📌 Then, they read extensively about various writing techniques.

• 📌 Next, they engage in vocabulary exercises, often disconnected from the actual writing task.

• 📌 Finally, the real writing assignment is relegated to homework.

The Alarming Result: Students are left to write alone, outside of class, precisely when they need the most support and guidance.

The Core Issue: Writing is a Skill, Not Just Knowledge Acquisition

Think of learning to write like learning to swim. You don't master the breaststroke by listening to someone explain the physics of water displacement. You learn by jumping into the pool and practicing with expert guidance.

Unfortunately, in many classrooms, the act of writing itself is pushed to the periphery. Teachers often:

• ❌ Over-explain writing techniques: Instead of allowing students to discover and explore these techniques through practice.

• ❌ Rely on passive activities: Such as reading about writing or analyzing model texts, instead of actively engaging students in the writing process.

• ❌ Provide delayed feedback: Assigning writing as homework and only addressing errors after the task is completed, missing crucial opportunities for immediate correction and learning.

Reframing the Writing Lesson: Get Out of the Way!

If we acknowledge that students learn by doing, then the majority of writing should occur during the lesson, not solely as homework.

A More Effective Approach:

• 🔹 Before Writing: Implement brief modeling and brainstorming sessions, but resist the urge to over-explain.

• 🔹 During Writing: Dedicate a significant portion of the lesson to in-class drafting, where students can receive real-time support from the teacher.

• 🔹 After Writing: Provide immediate feedback and facilitate revision within the lesson itself, allowing students to learn from their mistakes in the moment.

✏️ What’s your biggest challenge when teaching/learning writing? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 💬