Writing for an Auidence by Kristin Martin

Writing to Other Students

ksmartin — 2024-04-03 13:19:05 UTC

Aguilar, 2011 found that students are motivated to write letters to other students and have found ways to connect with others within their city, other cities and even other countries. Students may also write to people in political office, former teachers, actors and musicians. Students may also write to people in their lives, past and present. They anticipate a response leading to excitement as to what they may learn about their intended audience. Aguilar, 2011 found that when students received their responses, they were motivated to write long, detailed letters full of explanation and description.

Writing to Inform

ksmartin — 2024-04-03 13:27:12 UTC

Provide students with an audience with who they need to teach something to. When students are given the opportunity to research a topic of their choice, they are engaged in learning about a topic that is meaningful to them. Gallagher & Kittle, 2018, p. 170 state that writing what we know and understand in order to inform other is deeply intellectual work. Once students have learned about their topic, they can create brochures, slideshows or newspaper articles to share their work with the intended audience. Aguilar, 2011 found that students felt useful, valuable, and motivated to share their knowledge in a coherent format.

Sharing Family History

ksmartin — 2024-04-03 13:30:51 UTC

Students can interview family members to learn about culture and heritage. Students find out what makes their families unique and often learn something about past ancestors they may not have previously known. Students turn this information into a short essay and then share with classmates. When students share, they make connections to other students. Teachers also learn about students cultures from this activity and can plan culturally relevant lessons that connect to students more deeply. Students feel proud when learning about their family history and feel motivated to continue working on their writing skills.

What's the Secret?

ksmartin — 2024-04-03 13:33:11 UTC

Aguilar, 2011 describes the secret sauce to writing is to have an intended audience, even if it is a classmate they are sharing their writing with. She found that when students received positive feedback from each other, they were motivated to keep writing.