Just as it is challenging to inspire numeracy in English, it may not always be applicable to naturally introduce writing and general literacy in most STEM subjects. Read more on this on our blog at: http://manicscience.com/is-writing-necessary-in-science/

1. IS WRITING
NECESSARY IN
SCIENCE?

2. Just as it is challenging to inspire numeracy in English, it
may not always be applicable to naturally introduce
writing and general literacy in most STEM subjects.
 The use of literacy in subjects is only beneficial when it
develops or adds to the learning taking place: ‘The
expectations are essentially concerned with developing
and recognising learners’ ability to select and apply
literacy skills in ways that are appropriate to each
context’ – The National Literacy and Numeracy
Framework.

3. SO HOW APPROPRIATE IS WRITING IN
SCIENTIFIC SUBJECTS?
Kirsty Bertenshaw, founder of STEMtastic explores the
importance of this strand of literacy in science:
‘During my years as a teacher, I was frequently met with
complaints from students about writing in science lessons,
such as ‘Why have I got to write? It’s not English’ and ‘I
hate writing’. While literacy is a whole school issue and one
that schools are struggling with nationwide, it prompted
me to give more thought to the question: is writing
necessary in science?

4. One of the main purposes of writing in science is so that students
can provide evidence of progress. I have seen more than one
advisor/education consultant come into a school to help them
prepare for Ofsted, and simply flick through a book to see how
much writing is in it.
This is an indicator for how much learning has taken place – but is it
accurate? And should quality of learning be judged on how much is
written?

5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT
APPROACHES TO WRITTEN WORK?
 In some schools, a lack of written work can lead to further meetings with
management following up and checking on staff, increasing workload and
detracting from planning time, which is the opposite to more successful
schools.
In some outstanding-rated OFSTED schools, the focus is on active learning rather
than providing written work, and when work trawls take place, students go
along with their book to management, and tell them about their lessons and what
they have learned.
This ensures the teaching focuses on deepened understanding of the content, and
also meets the requirements of the ‘oracy’ strand of the literacy framework.

6. IS WRITING NECESSARY FOR LEARNING
IN SCIENCE?
In conclusion; yes, but consider what exactly you are
asking students to write and how it will benefit them.
Instead of writing up a whole experiment every time,
perhaps just ask them to reflect on what they learnt
through the lesson.

7. FIND OUT MORE
Find out more about Manic Science on our website:
http://manicscience.com/is-writing-necessary-in-
science/