Before They Write:

1
Before They Write

• Using active learning strategies to motivate and
  engage writers in English 1101 and 1102

2
Goals of the Study

• To activate the background knowledge of students
  before they read for, research for, and write
  each major assignment
• To engage student interest in required readings
  and research
• To build critical reading and thinking skills
• To improve grammar and usage skills

3
Class Demographics

• Twenty-seven students began the class
  twenty-five completed it.
• One-third of the class had taken English 1101
  prior to spring semester and had failed to make
  the required passing grade of C.
• Four students had taken the class before but had
  withdrawn before midterm.
• Four students in the class were not native
  English speakers.
• Class met at 130 p.m.

4
Discussion-based Strategies Implemented

• Anticipation guides
• Jigsaw activity
• Fishbowl discussion
• Think/pair/share
• V.I.P. (Very Important Points)

5
Writing-based Strategies Implemented

• Jot charts
• Journaling, including double-entry journals and
  learning logs
• Graphic organizers
• Peer editing

6
Results of Study

• 95 of the class reported that the strategies
  were either helpful or very helpful in preparing
  them to write.
• 80 reported that their attitudes about their own
  writing abilities improved over the course of the
  semester.
• While males in the class reported that they
  sometimes learn more effectively when working
  with peers, females reported that they often
  learn more effectively in this way.
• 65 of the class passed with a C or better.

7

• Those students receiving F in the course either
  quit attending or did not turn in all required
  papers.
• Ratings on the CCSU writing criteria related to
  content (knowledge of subject, awareness of
  reader, and organization) improved over the
  course of the semester. Students commented on the
  survey that they felt they had something to say
  in their papers and were able to organize their
  thoughts more effectively.
• Of the strategies implemented, students cited the
  fishbowl activity, V.I.P., and graphic organizers
  as their favorites.

8
Implications beyond English 1101 and 1102

• Writing-based strategies are useful in any course
  where writing is incorporated for clarification
  of ideas and as a way to assess learning.
• Discussion-based activities allow students the
  opportunity to explore evidence with their peers,
  increasing their knowledge base as they become
  engaged with and motivated by the material.