What Are the Benefits for Educators?
Writing-to-Learn:
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Encourages students to become active learners and provides them with opportunities to explain on paper their thinking about a topic or key question
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Increases teaching effectiveness by providing immediate feedback about how lessons have been received by students
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Offers opportunities for participation of all students, leading to richer discussions
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Involves teacher and student in an exchange of ideas
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Extends opportunities to introduce disciplinary-specific ways of learning and knowing (e.g. lab reports, mathematical proofs, thesis-driven arguments, informative texts, personal narratives, etc.)
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Motivates students to be prepared for class
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Provides a window into the thinking of all students, particularly those who may be uncomfortable speaking in class