Writing and learning

Why do students write? Easy, most students would say: Because we have to. Honest, perhaps, but discouraging. It makes writing seem pretty trivial. How about another go? Here's a likely second answer: To show what we know. Hmm, I'm not sure I like that much better. Isn't there something more positive we can say about writing?

　　Yes, there is. The best reason to write is the best reason to do anything—because it helps you grow and develop your potential. Writing is a terrific way to learn. When you write you discover whether you really understand something, or just think you do; and the very process of writing makes you think, and think hard.

　　The writing-across-the-curriculum perspective that produced Nuts and Bolts sees writing as an indispensable part of thinking and learning. The process of writing—a restless cycle of inquiry, composition, and revision—pushes students toward the true goals of higher education: critical thinking, creativity, analysis, synthesis, and informed judgment. In this view, then, writing is primarily about learning, not showing off what you already know. If writing an essay teaches you nothing, the assignment has been a failure.

　　　Expressive writing

　　　Communicative writing

　　　Implications for teachers