Battle of the Kings

WHAT IS A WRITING PHILOSOPHY?

A writing philosophy is a set of reflective statements about one’s perspectives on teaching, learning, reading, writing and how it informs one’s practices.  This statement is written from the author’s perspectives and is highly influenced by experience, knowledge, observations and professional development and growth. On October 15^th, 2019 our course instructor profited the opportunity to introduce us to a writing philosophy. She underscored the importance of developing our own writing philosophies as our perspectives on writing drives our instructional practices.  She first read aloud her philosophy, after which, she asked us to form groups to read and analyze a sample philosophy statement. We focused on one paragraph at a time whereby we tried to connect all the pertinent points to decipher what the writer was focusing on in each. We believe that this initiative by our lecturer was a great one as not only did it called for us to collaborate, but it also enabled us to monitor each other’s thinking. We believe that such interactive mediums should be encouraged as we get to learn from our peers.  As a whole group, we discussed what we felt was the focal point of each paragraph.  As we went on, she zoned in on the main components of the philosophy statement. The main components are:

1.     Conceptualization of writing or learning to write

v What does writing mean to you

2.     Conceptualization of teaching writing

v How do you perceive writing instruction?

v How will you facilitate the writing process?

v What are your roles and responsibilities as a teacher?

3.     Goals for students

v What are your expectations for students?

4.     Implementation of the philosophy

v What do you intend to do

v What approaches will you utilize?

v What are your intended experiences for students?

5.     Professional growth plan

v What actions or steps will you take to become a more competent teacher?

v How will you elevate your standards?

Tamara’s perspective on writing

In my view, writing is the painting of a voice. It is a method of communication that uses symbols such as letters of the alphabet, words and punctuation to convey thoughts, feelings and ideas in readable form. Writing is also characterized by the ability to hook my audience to draw them into the piece. Additionally, writing involves the use of the different genres of writing to achieve the various purposes of writing which requires the integration of the personal experiences and that of other writers.

Ron ‘s perspectives on conceptualization of the writing process

The use of pictures, videos and even field trips can be used to allow students to face different experiences that would broaden their knowledge. This broadened knowledge, paints vivid images on their minds. These stored mental images can be used to get them to express what they felt, saw, heard and touched.

Michaela’s views on goals for students

My students will be expected to write more fluently and in more detail. Likewise, they use the writing process to write multiple forms of text across the various content areas. In doing so, they will become good writers who pay attention to details and use colorful language in their writing that will certainly stimulate interest in their pieces. In addition, students can be entered in writing contests to gain public exposure. Being publicly exposed can help the students meet or relate to great authors that boost them in career helping to become some of the best authors in history.

Ron’s perspectives on the implementation of the philosophy

It is important to create atmospheres that are conducive to learning the writing process. Ensuring the use of an array of techniques is integral if the students are to fully understand the writing process. The modeling of this process is a good strategy that can be used to help students develop the appropriate skills required to be good writers. This would no doubt increase their motivation to learn.

Tamara’s perspectives on the professional growth plan

Robinson Cano quotes “You never stop learning. You learn something new every day.” Therefore, I believe in order to become a competent teacher of writing instruction I must engage in constant professional growth and development in order to acquire new skills to improve my writing abilities. Thus, I will participate in writing workshops, attend professional development day sessions for literacy, partake in various writing courses and most importantly I will continuously write pieces for the different genres of writing.

Written by: Tamara, Michaela and Ron