Chapter 3. Writing to learn in content areas
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Alan Hirvela
Abstract
This chapter discusses several studies of second language (L2) writers’ experiences using writing as a means of learning about content areas. Though some research of this kind has demonstrated success with writing to learn, collectively these studies suggest that using writing in this way is often difficult for L2 writers and that a key component in the process of learning to use writing for this purpose is the kind of support provided by both writing instructors and content area teachers. The examination of these studies also points out complexities in the linkage between theories of writing to learn and implementation of them. The analysis of these studies also lends support to a recent call from some L2 writing researchers for an increased emphasis on longitudinal studies of L2 writing, including writing to learn, in light of the complex nature of learning how to write, and how to use writing to mediate or enrich learning, in another language.
Abstract
This chapter discusses several studies of second language (L2) writers’ experiences using writing as a means of learning about content areas. Though some research of this kind has demonstrated success with writing to learn, collectively these studies suggest that using writing in this way is often difficult for L2 writers and that a key component in the process of learning to use writing for this purpose is the kind of support provided by both writing instructors and content area teachers. The examination of these studies also points out complexities in the linkage between theories of writing to learn and implementation of them. The analysis of these studies also lends support to a recent call from some L2 writing researchers for an increased emphasis on longitudinal studies of L2 writing, including writing to learn, in light of the complex nature of learning how to write, and how to use writing to mediate or enrich learning, in another language.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface ix
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Introduction
- Chapter 1. Situating the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of L2 writing 3
-
Part I. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 2. Learning to write 17
- Chapter 3. Writing to learn in content areas 37
- Chapter 4. Writing to learn the language 61
-
Part II. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 5. Learning to write in a second language 85
- Chapter 6. Writing to learn and learning to write by shuttling between languages 111
- Chapter 7. Beyond writing as language learning or content learning 133
- Chapter 8. The language learning potential of form-focused feedback on writing 159
- Chapter 9. Writing to learn in FL contexts 181
- Chapter 10. Exploring the learning potential of writing development in heritage language education 209
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing 237
- Contributors’ biodata 251
- Authors index 255
- Thematic index 259
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface ix
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. Situating the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of L2 writing 3
-
Part I. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 2. Learning to write 17
- Chapter 3. Writing to learn in content areas 37
- Chapter 4. Writing to learn the language 61
-
Part II. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 5. Learning to write in a second language 85
- Chapter 6. Writing to learn and learning to write by shuttling between languages 111
- Chapter 7. Beyond writing as language learning or content learning 133
- Chapter 8. The language learning potential of form-focused feedback on writing 159
- Chapter 9. Writing to learn in FL contexts 181
- Chapter 10. Exploring the learning potential of writing development in heritage language education 209
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing 237
- Contributors’ biodata 251
- Authors index 255
- Thematic index 259
