Getting Grammar Back Into The Composition Classroom

Author : Mary-Gwynne M. Millione
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (969 download)

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Download or read book Standard Written English Grammar and Usage in the First-Year Composition Classroom: First-Year Composition Educators' Perspectives written by Mary-Gwynne M. Millione and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A study was conducted to discover how first-year composition (FYC) teachers at large, public, 4-year universities respond to students who write prose with numerous Standard Written English (SWE) errors, the techniques the teachers use, and if the teachers perceive themselves as positively impacting the students’ writing. The researcher believed the teachers’ background (i.e., education and experience) would have an effect. Method: An anonymous survey was sent to FYC teachers at large, public, 4-year universities. A follow-up interview was conducted, and a web search performed. Results: One hundred and twenty-one participants completed the survey; three were interviewed. Over 49% used the majority of techniques listed in the survey at least sometimes. Most frequently used techniques include making SWE comments on students’ papers (84%), and using peer reviews (59%), mini lessons (54%), handbooks (36%), and handouts or worksheets (33%). Teachers with a creative writing degree were more likely to make comments on the students’ papers (r = .278, p = .002), as well as teachers who have taken creative writing courses (r = .271, p = .005). Those with a linguistics degree were not as likely to use the technique (r = - .359, p = .00). Participants with higher degrees were less likely to use peer reviews (r = -0.289, p = .001). Participants who have taken more graduate courses in linguistics were more likely to use non-technical terms when explaining SWE. No correlation existed for experience teaching and techniques used. A positive correlation was found between techniques teachers used and their perceived effectiveness, except for handbooks, using excerpts from students’ papers, and students keeping track of errors. However, at least one-third believed the techniques they used were not effective. Of the total participants, 73 wrote detailed comments regarding the teaching of SWE in FYC. Over half believe SWE should be taught during class; 22% during individual conferencing. Almost all felt either somewhat or very prepared to teach SWE, but those with creative writing degrees felt less prepared (r = -.194, p = .035). Teachers found the following helpful in preparing them to teach SWE: teaching (r = .304, p = .001), taking writing courses (r = .197, p = .043), and taking linguistics courses (r = .321, p = .008). Discussion: Participants would like better preparation and more effective ways to teach SWE. Better teacher preparation may include linguistic courses and writing courses, especially for those with a creative writing background. More research is needed in the area of effective ways to teach SWE.