Participants in the class will examine theory, research, and practice in the teaching of writing. Students will consider a variety of approaches to teaching writing with diverse student populations and in a variety of classroom settings. Students will create, co-create, and evaluate lessons for contending with particular teaching challenges.

The course requires regular attendance, the completion of assigned readings, and preparation for active participation in class discussions and demonstrations. The series of short papers require responses to the readings and case studies and the synthesis of thought about the instructional issues explored in class. Each class participant will prepare instructional plans that will support clinical experiences and student teaching.

Smagorinsky, Johannessen, Kahn, & McCann, The Dynamics of Writing Instruction, Heinemann, 2010; Johannessen, Kahn, & Walter, Writing About Literature: Revised and Expanded Edition, NCTE, 2009; Smith & Wilhelm, Getting It Right, Scholastic. 2007; additional materials contained in the course pack.