In their work, The Dynamics of Writing Instruction, Peter Smagorinsky et al. ask us to reflect on our beliefs as writing instructors so that we can build a solid pedigogical foundation from which to teach. To guide our reflection, they list several “tensions” that underlie the teaching of writing. Below is a simplified version of Smagorinsky’s tensions for your perusal. For this assignment, I'd like you to think about how these tensions shape your "beliefs about the nature of writing" (Smagorinsky 8) and the effects those beliefs have on you as a writer and teacher or prospective teacher of writing. Consider whether you teach by transmission or constructivism. Do you view writing as a process or a product? Do you view it as exploratory or “written in stone”? How do you feel about student freedom versus teacher control of the classroom and assignments, student activity versus student receptivity in regards to knowledge creation, structured instruction versus instruction that flows as situations evolve, and teaching students versus teaching the subject (9-15)? What do you think is the purpose and value of writing? How should it be used?
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