I think it is important to say that many peoples' writing processes may vary depending on how or why that person is writing! Creative writing may call for a different process than writing a paper about a book that was read. However, there are many strategies that can be considered beneficial regardless of the type of writing!
I almost feel silly admitting this, but until I started getting deeper into my English Education studies, I didn't really think about my process of writing. I unknowingly had a process that I just did unconsciously. A lot of it consists of getting ideas down on the paper as they come and editing/formatting as the paper comes along. However, in my adult life and my studies, I have been exposed to so many different strategies that can improve the overall quality of the process of writing we use. For instance, the Do-What chart that is two columns. The verb goes on under "do" and the description goes under "what." This is a way to not only have a broken-down version of the paper requirements, but also to be building an outline at the same time. Sometimes retrieving quotes from the text can be time consuming and difficult, but that is why I enjoy trying to get my evidence as soon as I have made claims.
I am sure that I incorporate many portions of my writing process without even being aware of it. It has never been more important in my life to be aware of this process I use as I progress farther and attempt to help others discover processes that work for them, no matter how similar or different. Many of my peers can relate to the loose grip we have on our process, but there are also many of my peers who are very particular about the entire processes of their writing; I completely understand why they are particular!
Like I mentioned before, I believe that the process can change sporadically depending on the style of writing being done, as well as its purpose. Writing digitally or multimodally requires the writer to be conscious of a variety of specifics, such as vocabulary, delivery, and reception. Digital writing can reach very far and wide, and it is important to convey our ideas in a way that many others can easily understand. It is also important to note that there is no tone or body language, so being sensitive to language used could be beneficial for all. Multimodal projects are refreshing as they incorporate more styles of communication than just an author, a reader, and a paper. The information being displayed must have a consistent flow, relatable words/context, and a sense of engagement.
Hey Bradley! I also edit my papers as I type them. You can use the Do-What chart as a check off list to make sure that you have resembled a clear and complete understanding of the assignment.
ReplyDeleteHi Brad,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. I like that you used the word "refreshing" when you describe multimodal projects. I definitely agree with your stance, because multimodal composition allows me to express myself in a plethora of interesting ways. I never realized how much a to-the-point, generic written paper constricts my ideas and my creativity until I started experimenting with multimodal composition.
Hey Brad! I enjoy how you wrote about how different types of writing require different writing approaches. Overall, this will be an important element of writing that we need to remember while trying to help our students become more confident writers.
ReplyDeleteThis is a reflective description of your writing process. I was especially intrigued learning how much the "Do What" charting has influenced your thinking. I hope that you are able to incorporate that same scaffold for reading and writing into your future teaching. I'm also curious to know in what ways if any the Flower & Hayes reading or the others connects to your writing process.
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