STUDENT WRITING Introduction

Writing, more than simply a mode of communication, is a powerful means of learning. Within each discipline students must learn techniques of observation, critical thinking, conceptualizations, and particular terms and modes of discourse. The process of writing affords students with needed practice in all these areas within each discipline. Often the practitioners of a given discipline are in the best position to teach students how to write for that discipline. Further, people learn to write more fluently by writing often, receiving frequent feedback from instructors and peers, and revising their work.

Writing assignments should be designed with specific learning objectives in mind. They can vary in length and complexity — from a one-sentence response, to a single question, to a full traditional research paper.