Assessing Writing
Has anyone else had to assess a piece of writing (whether a friends work or a student's writing assignment), but had difficulty explaining or pinpointing what was lacking or what could be done to improve? Well, in my writing class this past week, I definitely had some 'aha' moments. The connection between the 6 + 1 traits of writing and assessing writing was 'brought home' so clearly. I realized that the same traits that I use to improve my writing pieces, can be used to assess the writing of others.
(source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/2497262/)
Using these 6 traits above, I can give valuable feedback to my students about their writing, that goes beyond saying it was good or needs improvement. I can now explain to them what trait in their writing was clearly demonstrated or which was weak or lacking and offer tips on how that trait can be developed. This makes assessing writing so much easier.
Have you encountered similar difficulties, when assessing the writing of others? Do you believe that using the 6 + 1 traits, makes this process easier? Would love to hear from you.
After learning a new strategy, I am always looking for related resources. Here is a writing traits checklist, I think can be very useful, to help students quickly assessment their own writing. I would even blow it up and have it stuck up in the classroom, for easy reference.
Hi Shevon, I too have had the challenging experience of trying to assess a friend's writing. There have been times that I knew something was missing but I could not accurately describe what is was. However, the use of the 6 + 1 Writing traits checklists and rubrics certainly makes life easier. Now I know the elements that should be present in a writing piece so I can critically assess to see if it is there or not. Thanks for sharing the rubric, it will be useful in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteHi shevon, before learning about the 6+1 writing traits, I also difficulties editing. This class has also opened my eye to writing where I can return to check and ensure that all of the writing traits can be seen with in my writing pieces or even my students.
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