Learning Blog 8

As this chapter (8) details writing comes in many different forms. There is formal writing, informal writing, response writing, the writing process etc. I believe that it its important for students to understand each of these processes and use them when appropriately. The part that confused me was the section about writing as a process because I believe that even though we may not formally complete the writing process every single time we right, we do complete it in some form. For example, when writing an email, journal, or research paper there is some kind of brainstorming (getting your ideas together), drafting and then re-reading/editing before submitting or finalizing our "perfect" copy. All of these steps may not be written out but they do happen. I also believe that students need to understand determining the type of writing you are doing is part of the writing process as well. This step is part of the preparation phase of writing. You need to know who you are writing to, why you are writing, what type of writing you are completing and so-on.
One thing that I have seen lost in my classroom (I assist but am not the main teacher for literacy) is informal or response writings. Students do not have a chance just to write. Their are no journals being kept and most writing is for grades or at least critic. Feed back is extremely important but I feel like collecting everything our students write does not allow them to have any stress free expression where they can try new things, express themselves, and take risks. In todays world too much emphasis is on grades and tests, if a student has figured out one style or trick in writing will get him a good grade, and he does not have a grade free chance to write he will never change his ways.
Writing can be used as tool in each stage of PAR but also can be taught using PAR. Students need to prepare and reflect on their writing just as much as they write. I believe each step is equally important to raise complex writers.