Improving writing skills in a 9th grade english class
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Authors
Ruszel, Lucy Anne
Issue Date
2000
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Teaching
Alternative Title
Abstract
This action research project was done to find an effective method of teaching writing to the varied skill levels of a 9th grade high school English class in a diverse, working-class city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Teaching process writing was implemented with the use of a writers' workshop, including student-teacher conferencing, rubric and portfolio assessment. A second year teacher implemented this study. Data was collected through teacher/researcher observation, rubric results, and student sell-assessment.
The implementation was greatly hindered by high absenteeism, incomplete assignments, and lack of support for the teacher. Although the workshop was modified due to these phenomena, student-teacher conferencing and rubric assessment were shown to be effective tools in writing assessment. This study highlights the lack of research done in using writers' workshops in diverse, low performing, low socio-economic, schools. The study also emphasizes the need for mentorship and collegiality for new teachers.