By NOLAN LIZARDO
Staff Writer
As much as I don’t want to write a writing article, the article suggests I write more, so here it goes.
An article I recently read suggested that teachers and educators should give more opportunities to their students to write more. What many students would say is, “ Wow, we already write a lot.” or “Writing is not important” . However, students may not realize the value of writing.
In high school classes such as math, social science, and science(non-English classes), kids spend about 30 minutes a week writing. A half-hour is minuscule compared to the amount of class time students get lectured in powerpoints or worksheets. Writing is one of the best ways to exercise your mind. Even in math, all the numbers and fun algebra, we English kids turn our heads at, they could use more writing. You ask how or why should they? Well, many of the times, numbers are easier to read when you can see things like candy, marbles, or basketballs.
The article opened my eyes to a lot of ideas. That I, nor any of my peers may have realized. Did you know that Non-white Hispanics and Black students get graded harder when it comes to writing? The use of dialect and certain words or phrases that Non-white Hispanics and Black students use. Because of this, teachers are more likely to grade harder in the category of writing mechanics. Which may discourage students from writing.
A lot of students do not see the value of writing. To students, writing seems like a task and a grade. To make kids write more, you have to make them enjoy writing. Actively, portraying your thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way.
How many times do you pull your phone out to text or type and email? You probably do it more than you realize, I consider that writing.
What’s the difference between that and a paper you are assigned? Just a grade and if you can look past the grade and make the paper your work of art. It becomes fun to write.
Resources
Schaffhauser08/25/20, Dian. “Research: Students Need to Spend More Time Writing.” THE Journal, 25 Aug. 2020, thejournal.com/articles/2020/08/25/students-need-to-spend-more-time-writing.aspx.