1 - Linguistic accuracy comes into play as I'm typing a written piece. I have to write my responses on paper first before I type anything. It takes A LOT of time, but is the only way I know how to function. I write all over the place, so I can let the creativity flow. If I'm unable to write first, I'll still spend the bulk of my writing time drafting only to erase it and start over just before the assignment is due. My grammatical knowledge was developed in middle school and high school. I thought I had a good handle on it until my composition professor told me otherwise - I was a senior at UNT. I've been self-conscience about it ever since.
2 - I am a procrastinator. My brain and ideas just flow better with a true deadline looming. With that being said, I'm not sure if my approach to editing is at all effective. I have to edit as I'm going. If I'm really distracted, I will read it aloud to see if everything makes sense. It doesn't always catch the grammar mistakes though (see answer from #1).
3 - Word choice is the easiest to explain to students. One's vocabulary can never be too big, so there's always room for growth. I like words, so it's also fun for me to explain this part! Spelling can be improved, but there are times when it's just not going to be that much better. Mechanics like capitalization and simplistic formatting are easier to model and talk through. Capitalization can be tricky. Some rules seem a bit obscure like capitalizing only important words in a title, except for the prepositions - well, some of the prepositions. It seems this rule is based on aesthetic pleasure rather than logic. Grammar is just all around difficult. For every definite rule, there's at least two other rules that have exceptions or contradictions. I've had in depth conversations about where commas go in a sentence. I don't want to spend fifteen minutes on that!
4 - I think the editing process for L2 students is developed through modeling. The students will have to start by reading proficient writing out loud then doing the same with their own writing. I think there's something cognitively beneficial or stimulating when someone reads their work aloud. Perhaps, in an ideal world, I could provide my students with models every time they are to write a major essay.
That's interesting that you have to write on paper first Sarah, most students wouldn't even know how to work through that process. The fact that you write, edit, and write again before you type is a good thing. I type everything, but sometimes if I am doing a big project I have to write it out on paper first. I'm not an outline person, but sometimes a hand written outline and notes guides me to where I want to go.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that you write on paper first is good because it probably helps you to focus and see what you are doing. I wish I could get my students to take writing as seriously as you.
Grammar IS difficult! I tell my students that all the time. Even native speakers of English get it wrong- some of them a lot- haha. As for spelling, some people just are horrible spellers. I tell students that although there are rules to guide correct spelling, many words in English are exceptions. If you know spelling is a weakness, you will have to rely on a dictionary more than others do. I usually don't focus much on Capitalization errors except things like the word "I" or the first word in a sentence. I usually ignore most others- you have to pick your "battles", right?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to read that you still pick up pen and paper to write an essay. Perhaps all my years in business have forever changed my writing habits. My penmanship (thank you, Catholic school Palmer method) had always been precise, and now I can hardly hold a pen and write coherently. My hand cannot keep up with my thoughts. Over time I have come to believe that my grammatical skills are as appropriate as they can be after learning all the bad habits. That said, in my undergraduate years, I purchased a yearly subscription to Grammarly to support writing skills. I now know that I write in the passive voice way too often for my personality! I am considering getting the yearly subscription again just to have it for my course work.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love that you write everything down before typing. This is awesome! I "liken it" to the pre-writing/brainstorming process that I enact myself and try to teach to all my students as well.
DeleteI also concur with you about modeling for the L2 writer. Because they have not grown up with seeing their L2 grammar, mechanics, conventions, etc, it is imperative to model model model.