“What’s the Point?”: Creating Authenticity & Relevance Through Simulated Writing Experiences

Authors

Dawan Coombs, Brigham Young University
Jon Balzotti, Brigham Young University
Derek Hansen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

struggling readers and writers, relevance of English class, real-world application of literacy skills

Preview

A few years ago, during a high school English course for struggling readers and writers, Brandon, a 16-year old junior in the class, detailed why he felt English class seemed so difficult. He explained, “I don’t really see the point of why I have to take it. I wish they taught me something that I’ll need in my adulthood, you know?” Knowing Brandon’s professional goals included studying business and eventually taking over his father’s local store, the answer to Brandon’s question seemed obvious: the critical reading and argument writing skills he was learning in English were precisely what he would need in his adulthood as a businessman and community member. But Brandon wasn’t so sure.

Recommended Citation

Coombs, Dawan; Balzotti, Jon; and Hansen, Derek (2018) "“What’s the Point?”: Creating Authenticity & Relevance Through Simulated Writing Experiences," The Utah English Journal: Vol. 46, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/uej/vol46/iss1/3