HOW TO MAKE STUDENTS WRITE THEMSELVES

This is a reflection on the last webinar on "Transactional Writing" by Sivanandini Rajes Moodley and the English Connect Team.

I've always complained about why my students find it difficult to express themselves in their writing.

The problem isn't just with the students but also with me, the English teacher. Teaching writing is different from other skills as it requires a "trigger" which is usually called "inspiration".

In school, the teacher must help learners identify how to provoke these triggers. I've always scolded my students " write! write!!". I get discouraged with them not writing explicitly. Some will even write less than a hundred words.

I use these steps and I've been getting positive feedback from my students' writing most especially descriptive essays and letters.

THESE ARE THE STEPS I HAVE USED THAT WORKED

👉 I write on the board the task question. See this from their BECE Past question.

WRITE A LETTER TO THE PRINCIPAL OF YOUR SCHOOL SUGGESTING WAYS OF REDUCING THEFT IN THE SCHOOL.

👉 Ask the learners to tell you what type of letter they want to write. Formal or Informal?

👉 Because the learners would think it is something difficult to write, you will need to familiarize them with the task. Tell them about school-related thefts such as money, books, pens, food, etc.

In fact, some may not understand the meaning of some keywords like THEFT. Don't expect them to know it.

👉Now, the next step is to BRAINSTORM with them. This will really go a long way in their writing and reasoning abilities in future writings. For instance, I asked them to think of ways of reducing theft (stealing) in the school environment. As they mention them, I write on the board: Discipline, rules and regulations, punishment, and appointment of class monitors.

Their points can be funny but you're there to help them rephrase what they mean better. They'll be glad and be ready to contribute in subsequent classes.

Mind you. Do not scold any student rather help.

👉 Ask them to explain each point in a paragraph. "HOW CAN APPOINTMENT OF CLASS MONITORS HELP IN REDUCING THEFT?"

You'll see the MAGIC! They will start writing.

Don't mind their Grammatical inaccuracies. ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY!

👉 finally, collect their notes and mark. Identify or correct their mistakes; give constructive feedback and commend good write-ups.

WRITING IS A LIFETIME SKILL.