What do students think about their own writing? Insights for teaching new college writers

Keywords

Writing, process, product, journey, self-efficacy, identity, high school, content analysis

Abstract

Students face multiple challenges when transitioning from high school to college writing, with new content, audiences, genres, and task expectations. Psychometric researchers have shown that self-efficacy, competency, and affective factors can help or hinder students during this transition, but little previous research examines what students themselves say about their writing and writing experiences. This study analyses the content of 248 essays from first-year composition writers who discussed their writing identities, processes, products, and journeys. Our findings show differences between writers who view themselves positively and negatively. Instructors can use this information to design meaningful prompts, utilize process writing activities, and engage students in meaningful reflection.

Original Publication Citation

*Eckstein, G.,Ferris, D., & Sibbald, K. (2021). What students think about their own writing: Insights for teaching high school and college writers. Writing & Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.1558/wap.19540

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2021

Publisher

Equinox Publishing Ltd

Language

English

College

Humanities

Department

Linguistics

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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