2. A few of my main points
Writing assignments deepen
learning, and that deepening often
requires revision.
Although revising is difficult work, it’s
some of the most important intellectual
work we do.
We can become better at revision—
beginning by learning
how to prioritize.
3. Some Freewriting
How does writing impact your learning?
On a piece of scratch paper, please list a few
ideas.
You might think back to a
project that really challenged
you or taught you something new.
4. Arguments for learning by
writing, which requires revision
Writing is inherently an active
cognitive process.
Writing provides opportunities for
reflection and metacognition;
writing slows down our thinking.
Writing provides an opportunity to
discover what we think and know
(as well as to discover what we don’t
know).
5. Writing and learning . . .
Writing demands explicitness.
Writing involves organizing and
synthesizing (indicating
relationships among) ideas.
Writing makes our ephemeral
thoughts more permanent and
available to share with others.
6. Some more freewriting
What is your approach to revising?
When do you revise? Under what circumstances?
How do you usually begin?
What do you hope to accomplish
when revising?
7. Pair-share
Share what you wrote with a partner.
Consider together:
What does revising mean to you?
What do you prioritize when revising?
8. Establishing priorities
GLOCs *before* LOCs
global local
concerns concerns
__________________________________
content grammar
__________________________________
rethinking editing
9. Final take-away points
Remember that revision aims to improve
writing, which ideally deepens learning
Prioritize GLOCs—and specifically those
connected with the assignment’s central task
Address LOCs later in the process
Identify strengths (what to keep and
enhance in your revision)
Talk throughout the process—with friends,
peer mentors, and instructors
10. Extension
Putting what we’ve learned into practice
What language might you use to talk about
your own writing?
How could you give better feedback to your
colleagues?
How could you ask an instructor for advice
on improving your paper?
