Observation of peers in learning to write: Practice and research

• Main Authors: Rijlaarsdam, Gert, Braaksma, Martine, Couzijn, Michel, Janssen, Tanja, Raedts, Mariet, Van Steendam, Elke, Toorenaar, Anne, Van den Bergh, Huub
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SIG Writing of EARLI 2008-01-01
• Series: Journal of Writing Research
• Subjects: writing; observational learning; strategy learning; inquiry; communities of learners
• Online Access: http://jowr.org/articles/vol1_1/JoWR_2008_vol1_nr1_Rijlaarsdam_etal.pdf

Elke Van Steendam, Anne Toorenaar,Journal of Writing Research 1(1), 53-83In this paper we discuss the role of observation in learning to write. We argue that the acquisition of skill in such a complex domain as writing relies on observation, the classical imitatio. An important phase in learning to write, at all ages, is learning to write by observing and evaluating relevant processes: writing processes, reading processes or communication processes between writers and readers.First, we present two practical cases: writing lessons in which observation and inquiry are amongst other key elements and where students participate in a community of learners. Then, we review research that may inspire and substantiate proposals for implementing observation as a learning activity in writing education. Two types of studies are discussed: studies in which learners acquire strategies by observing and evaluating writing and reading processes of peers, as a prewriting instructional activity, and studies in which learners are stimulated to 'pre-test' and then revise their first draft, as a post writing instructional activity. The paper closes with some recommendations for further research.