So what do we do with the basic writers? I don't think that eliminating basic writing classes is the answer. But are we trying to fit a square peg in a round hole? Perhaps we need to get a clear focus on the goal of a writing class. Is it to teach correct grammar and sentence structure? If it is, then maybe we should eliminate basic writing because I don't think that should be its focus. But, if the point of a writing class is to teach people how to communicate with whatever cognitive tools AND linguistic ability they possess, then we really should keep basic writing alive.
Basic writing doesn't mean "dumbing down." I also don't see basic writing as a "catch up" class. Rather, a basic writing course can serve the needs of a couple of key participants. One group would be those students who do not have a background in middle class language acquisition. Another group would be those students who were unable to learn to write through the traditional methods used in schools - maybe they are LD - maybe they just learn differently. Both groups of students are able to learn. And many in these groups can possess average or higher-than-average intelligence. But, I don't necessarily see these two groups of students as having the same needs. I guess I'm talking about some homogeneous grouping here. And for good reason - their needs are specific and must be addressed differently.
I regret that I'll be missing this class discussion. I am sure it will be fascinating.
1 comment:
I also believe that basic writing's goal is communication. The variety of learning styles is a challenge for teachers AND parents AND students. I firmly believe that there has to be a combination of education using all three elements in helping to allow communication that is meaningful to the writer and the writer's audience.
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