rigid rules, inflexible plans, and the stifling of language

The article mentions that rules lead to "intellectual functioning". It depends on the rules! This article is about students' mental process in relations to writer's block. So, the cognitivist's analysis is on why students are having problems with writing. I know from experience that writer's block occurs because of fears of imperfection, the need to be perfect, and insecurity from negative experiences from writing a paper (s).  It can be an immobilizing experience when the mind is preoccupied on negative self-images of past mistakes from a bad writing experience. The problem with students who have writing block are usually "stuck" with the fear of being humiliated and tend to constantly relive that experience in their head, which prevents them from using any critical thinking skills and utilize their ideas. Rigid rules only apply when students are prevented by teachers to explore other methods of writing papers that don't go against the grammatical rules.  I have a suggestion that could make students become empower while still learning and working with the mechanics of writing. Have the students to play with writing on topics of interest that require them to use a dictionary to explore new words and follow the grammatical rules. This can promote self-autonomy and also self-empowerment. The student can learn to take control over a topic, learn new and exciting words while learning to use the english mechanics. In fact, I believe it will make students become conscious of the writing process. It is a good idea to have students to create their own text on a regular basis using new topics, words and their editing skills. This strategy will become a positive skill that can alter any negative memories and self-images.

There shouldn't be any inflexible plans. Situations occur and people have to rearrange their priorities sometimes. However, plans are necessary to accomplish goals. To plan to work on a topic creates a discipline student. It also helps with critical thinking skills along with rearranging plans. The rearrangement of plans teach students about flexibility and also exploring ideas at a deeper level.