Teaching L2 Composition: Purpose, Process, and Practice

by Dana R. Ferris, John S. Hedgcock

This popular, comprehensive theory-to-practice text is designed to help teachers understand the task of writing, L2 writers, the different pedagogical models used in current composition teaching, and reading–writing connections. Moving from general themes to specific pedagogical concerns, it includes practice-oriented chapters on the role of genre, task construction, course and lesson design, writing assessment, feedback, error treatment, and classroom language (grammar, vocabulary, style) instruction. Although all topics are firmly grounded in relevant research, a distinguishing feature of the text is the array of hands-on, practical examples, materials, and tasks that pre- and in-service teachers can use to develop the complex skills involved in teaching second language writing. Each chapter includes Questions for Reflection, Further Reading and Resources, Reflection and Review, and Application Activities. An ideal text for L2 teacher preparation courses, courses that include both L1 and L2 students, and workshops for instructors of L2 writers in academic (secondary and postsecondary) settings, the accessible synthesis of theory and research enables readers to see the relevance of the field’s knowledge base to their own present or future classroom settings and student writers.

Genres: Textbooks, Writing, Education, Teaching, Language

425 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Roux Stellarsphyr]

Surprisingly non-esoteric (as non-esoteric as you can get while talking about theory), Ferris & Hedgcock succeed in providing solid theoretical frameworks with thoughtful practical applications. Although the text is rooted in second language writing, I think it would be of use as well to the developmental reading and writing teacher for native English speakers. The depth of research that Ferris & Hedgcock provide would also be useful to the introductory scholar-teacher who has never been exposed to second language acquisition/writing research.

[Haley Wels]

This is an excellent resource (4th edition)!

[Erin]

This is an excellent resource for preparing to teach L2 students. It provides lesson plan ideas. Research on why and how you could teach a principle. It includes cultural information. Really, very excellent! I highly recommend for anyone that teaches L2 students.

[Joel]

Used this in grad school; now I actually need to read it to prepare for classes I'm teaching!

[Derya Kulavuz-Onal]

This book is primarily targeted towards the the second language writing principles and theories, and the practices and issues of teaching second language writing at the college level.