Grammar/Spelling Errors
I had to smile when I realized that through my entire post I spelled lens lense !!!!!!!! Editing ofen takes place later!!! It reminded me to post that editing, as a skill in itself, can be a valuable tool in the upper levels. One of the reasons that errors show up on tests is that our students…who have been taught to “write for the story” DON’T go back and edit. (just like I don’t usually when I post!!) My experience in “teaching editing” has lead me to start small…and with specific skills…Here is an example of how I might have students edit in my upper levels”
1. Writing time given (could be on a topic or a choice of their own)
2. Editing time given for general comprehension: Now go back and read your writing to yourself. If something seems unclear, or you noticed Spanglish…take a moment and fix it.
3. Editing time given for one specific grammatical item: Go back and check your adjectives….do they match the noun they describe?
HOWEVER…previous to putting that on an evaluation we have:
*practiced both types of editing with pieces that I have written specifically for practice ( I try not to use student papers…unless I create a “compilation” paper)
*practiced identifying nouns and adjectives (YES it’s necessary :o) )
*played with editing for agreement numerous times but always AFTER writing
KEY PIECES
1. students know that writing time is for writing…I will give time for editing later…it sustains the “safety net” they are accustomed to.
2. I never count editing skills for a grade until I feel that the majority of the class is competent and confident with editing for that skill.
3. I rarely grade editing for more than 2 skills at a time…..Good editors will catch more from practice and habit. Bad editors will (sometimes sloooowlly but who cares!!) get better
Acquisition of skills takes time…just as the acquisition of vocabulary and structure. I think if we go narrow and deep…and build…just as we are accustomed to…we will see the growth we want.
dos centavos
Laurie
