My Thoughts on Writing

I believe that writing is thinking and that composition and literature are intertwined. I do not believe one can separate the importance of effective writing and critical reading from the subjects with which they are not typically associated (such as math and the sciences). I also believe that while there are valuable lessons to be learned from set curricula and guidelines for writing, most students are inherently aware of the characteristics of strong composition. I see myself as a guide rather than a teacher: I strive to help students uncover what they already know and apply it to their own efforts.

My Goals for Students

All genres of literature and forms of writing effectively express ideas. My goal is to help students determine the most appropriate venue for their content by studying various forms of composition. We look at literary analysis, argumentative essays, works of fiction, and even poetry to see how writers craft and express ideas. Then we enjoy the act of writing, creating our own masterpieces through challenging exercises in composition and revision.

My Pedagogical Techniques

My work with individual students takes many different forms, predominantly guided by the needs of the student. Rather than take a student’s writing and inject my own opinions or thoughts, I ask questions to help the student craft an insightful argument and consider how effectively the argument is communicated. This includes looking at the use of textual and concrete evidence, as well as the chosen form of the piece and the grammatical and syntactical structures of the writing itself. Once again, I see myself as a guide to what the student already knows, a new lens with which to look at a piece he has perhaps stared down for hours.

While my philosophy on the teaching of writing and literature dictates what I offer and how I offer it, I am always more than willing to adapt to the needs of a particular group or client. Please contact thewritingwell@earthlink.net for more information