Assignment:

Classroom presentation on a special topic in composition

English 4057/5057 Writing: Theory and Teaching

Spring 2011, ETSU

Kevin O'Donnell, Instructor

- Worth 10% of the final grade.

The Assignment

- You will teach a class on one of the major composition topics listed below.

- Early in the semester, you will choose your presentation topic, in consulation with me.

- Before your presentation, you will meet with me to prepare a plan. You will also pay particular attention to the chapters in A Rhetoric for Writing Teachers which are related to your topic.

- For this presentation, you'll put the principles of good writing instruction into practice: Don't just read a paper or lecture. Instead, mix it up: present your materials in an interesting way; design class activities; engage your classmates in discussion. Have fun!

Presentation Topics

1. Teaching invention/ prewriting.

2. Teaching development/ use of specifics in writing.

3. Teaching organization/ structure--including paragraphing.

4. Teaching style/ voice.

5. Teaching grammar and proofreading.

6. Teaching use of sources/ documentation.

7. Responding and grading.

8. Designing writing assignments.