Writing Instruction That Makes a Difference to English Learners

Juan J. Araujo; Carol D. Wickstrom

doi:10.18778/0860-7435.24.06

Authors

Juan J. Araujo Texas A&M University-Commerce, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Carol D. Wickstrom University of North Texas, College of Education

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0860-7435.24.06

Keywords:

writing, professional development, teacher education, adolescents, english learners

Abstract

This paper presents the actions of two high school English language arts teachers as they engage in writing instruction with adolescent English learners. Using a naturalistic, qualitative methodology we investigate the actions two high school English language arts teachers engage in to meet the needs of their students. Findings suggest that embracing the students’ resources, building on linguistic knowledge, taking time to choose the right books and activities, being explicit about writer’s workshop and accepting its frenetic pace because it meets the students’ needs, and using the act of writing as a thinking activity, were the actions that made a difference to promote student success.

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