The Language of Exclusion

Mike rose points out how important writing is, but that it is also in disarray in the universities. The gap between secondary school writing and college writing is a topic I have often deliberated over. There are students that have difficulties writing at a high school level that go on to college without hesitation, so it leaves me wondering what does happen when these students tackle their first writing assignments as well as their last, the GRE.  Writing is a skill and a tool that is necessary in the cognitive process of gaining and mastering a subject. My teaching philosophy is and has always been to make sure my students have the skills necessary to succeed in the work environment and or excel in achieving a higher education.  Taking the courses for this certificate has enriched my teaching and shown me new techniques to “engage young writers in rich, natural use.” Students’ cognitive experiences should be experiences they can relate to and can grasp because they are familiar to them. Their individual experience should be relevant and given a voice.  It is my intention to bridge the gap as best possible by building skills in a learning environment that is comfortable and natural to students, thus building confidence and enthusiasm.