Nurturing Passion with Writing > Verlyn Evans

Early Childhood Education students have one thing in common: They are all very passionate about their profession! However, there are times when passion has to be put into words to complete the projects that are an integral part of our courses. Over time as I have had the opportunity to interact with my students, I have adopted the following practices in order to ensure that our students are successful in completing writing assignments:

• Respond to students on discussion boards by asking questions that help them refocus their responses or expand their initial responses.
  

• Explain the important role that writing plays in their profession (i.e. advocating for students and documenting issues that children face in order to access additional services).
  

• Provide examples of effective writing in seminars (ex. paragraphs, citations).

• Share my personal writing struggles while reminding students that writing is a process that takes practice to master.
  

• Encourage review, such as asking someone to proofread an assignment before turning it in.

• Give specific feedback on assignments by referring to the guidelines as outlined in the syllabus. Provide details about what students did well while redirecting them to complete missing parts of an assignment.
  

• Remind students that they are role models for the students that they will teach.

• Stress that writing is a powerful tool for them to use to speak up for the children they will serve. Reassure them that their “voice” will come through loud and clear when they are good writers.
  

As a result of implementing the above mentioned practices, I have found that my students understand the value of communicating effectively via writing and are open to suggestions to improve their writing skills. In addition, they appreciate knowing that with strong writing skills they will be able to further their education without the added stress or fear of being afraid to adequately put their thoughts into words.

Verlyn Evans is a professor in Educational Studies at Kaplan University.

[This article was originally published in our August, 2009 issue.]