Writing for a Purpose

In texts, Snapchat, or even passed notes, students write to entertain, to inform, and to make arguments. Yet in school, many students struggle to articulate a reason for writing beyond getting a grade. Here, teachers use audience, the writing domains, choice, and community to engage students in authentic academic writing experiences.

Features

Purpose and Control Gets Young Writers "Running to the Table"

Marlene Kimble

Learn how to turn your classroom into a publishing house, where all students have the tools and motivation to reach their intended audience.

Four Audiences That Add Meaning to Writing Assignments

Pooja Patel

Four different audiences offer this middle school teacher authentic options for framing writing assignments.

Columns

Video: How to Help Students Become Better Writers

Eleanor Dougherty, author of the ASCD book Assignments Matter (2012), explains how students become better writers when given opportunities to write frequently, investigate structure, write from a prompt, deconstruct models of good writing, and read to build academic vocabulary and learn narrative technique.

Field Notes: Writing as Conversation

Sean Hackney

A teacher shares his experiences applying collaborative response groups and blogging as vehicles for students to develop writing skills as a community of learners.

Requesting Permission

For photocopy, electronic and online access, and republication requests, go to the Copyright Clearance Center. Enter the periodical title within the "Get Permission" search field.
To translate articles, contact permissions@ascd.org

Ideas from the Field

Subscribe to ASCD Express, our free email newsletter, to have practical, actionable strategies and information delivered to your email inbox twice a month.

Subscribe Now

Permissions

ASCD respects intellectual property rights and adheres to the laws governing them. Learn more about our permissions policy and submit your request online.