Responding to Students' Writing

Tuesday, 4/12/2012

TE10503 Teaching Writing Skills

Hello everyone! This time our lecturer, Ms Yoon has distributed some of her students paper so that we are able to see how is a lower-proficiency student did their writing. We've learned to respond to students' writing in many ways, she also gave us the guideline, or the basic principle before and during the respond. Basically there are three ways to respond to students' writing that we can do, referring to Ms. Yoon's guide and they are:

1. Written comment

2. Talk about the paper

3. Checklist 

Personally, I think it would be the best to talk about the paper. For instance, I will call the students probably during their recess time, or before they go back home. Of course, I will also take responsibility in taking care of my students. For example if it's recess time I will provide them a meal. Or if it's after the school hours, I will personally bring that student to their home after the talk. What I am trying to do is not actually impossible. I know that some people who came across this post might think that, by using this way some students might take the help for granted, but of course, as a teacher you will know your students best. If this student is not improving, there shall be a different reminder. If this student is just pretending to be very weak just to draw attention and get free home-made meal, you'll spot that. I believe that when I be a teacher, I will be able to recognize my students' behaviors and levels. I also believe that there is nothing wrong to get closer with your students in that kind of way because they will appreciate that and somehow it will motivate them to do better. Different students have different perceptions but as a teacher you must be able to identify which is which and how to manage it well. 

Anyway, this is the example of a student's writing. I will tell you how would I assess this paper in my next post. See you! :)

*You may click the picture to enlarge*