Reading to Learn and Writing to Teach: Literacy Strategies for Online Writing Instruction

by Beth Hewett

When writing classes move from the physical classroom to an online environment, instruction happens principally through textual communication—meaning that students and teachers alike are writing and reading more than ever before. Reading to Learn and Writing to Teach: Literacy Strategies for Online Writing Instruction is informed by the premise that the increased literacy load of an online environment is the most critical difference between online and onsite instruction, and thus warrants strengthening students’ reading skills and adjusting teachers’ writing skills to improve communication and learning. To help accomplish these goals, Reading to Learn and Writing to Teach offers explicit reading strategies for students accompanied by correlated writing exercises, as well as guidelines and strategies that aid instructors in communicating clearly and teaching effectively.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2015

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good practical-stuff-included book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hewett provides a lot of insight into the many considerations that go into online writing instruction (particularly the types of students one is typically teaching), as well as a lot of excellent strategies for scaffolding instruction in a way that serves learning, particularly in these specific contexts. While the types of assignments sometimes seemed a bit more prescriptive than I might use, I appreciated all of the examples she provided and could easily see how many could be adapted for use in face-to-face contexts, as well.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best resources out there for those who are teaching online writing classes. The author offers both theory and practical suggestions, but she also explores why students struggle with online work in an age that boasts that taking online classes is the way to excel higher education.