Writing to Learn and Blogging Resources for Teachers and Students

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I think my science and social studies students need to write more. Most of our writing lately has been in the form of a lab report or essay questions on a test. My students do have Wakelet accounts where they keep a portfolio of their work and reflections. I’m talking about “writing to learn” in their classes. Not the writing at the end of learning. The kind of writing that makes learning stick. There are times when I don't ask students to write simply because I am afraid of the time it will to grade their work.

“Research already shows there are several advantages to ‘Writing-to-Learn’ (WTL) including improved scientific reasoning and promoted metacognition. As Shultz suggests “Writing to learn is important, not just in science but in all subjects.” - Dr. Ginger Shultz

Today was a beginning…We just kicked off a unit on Forces and Motion. I created a Google Sites template (that they made their own) where they will document their work and capture their thoughts in writing. It’s a start. Below you’ll find some of the resources I’ve been using. Hopefully you'll find some of them useful too!

Writing to Learn Resources

• Engaging Students Through Writing: The Case of a Science Class
• Creative Writing in Science Class
• Using Writing-to-Learn Assignments to Actively Engage Students in the Learning Process - PDF
• The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades*

Student Blogging Resources

• 5 Ways to Incorporate Student Blogging Into Your Curriculum
• A Few Creative Ways to Use Student Blogs
• 10 Reasons Why I Want My Students to Blog

Thanks for reading. I'll post updates as I continue to find ways to incorporate more writing in the classroom. Subscribe below to receive email updates.

And, as always, please share your feedback and comments on Twitter. What's your recent teacher win? What are you reading lately? Just say "Hi". Send a tweet to @jeremyajorg.