RWL 514: Engaging Middle School & Secondary School Writers

This course explores theories and practices for the teaching of writing in grades 4-12.  Best practices for teaching writing are examined with emphasis for integrating new technologies into lessons and units to better engage and motivate student writers.  Teaching practices embracing the social and cultural aspects of composing will be examined.  Additional emphasis is placed on strategies for teaching writing across the curriculum and ways to assess tudent writing to inform teacher practice.  Candidates will focus on creating language-rich writing experiences that are based on their students' interests and stages of writing development.