1) Sommers mentions that student writers often suffer because they lack the strategies needed for identifying the larger issues with their writing. As instructors, how can we design assignments and activities which will not only give them the needed tools, but also the opportunity to practice using the skills?
2) Bishop makes the wonderful point that writers need to write often and with feedback and support during the process. With the limitations we have on time, and the requirements of the class, how do we make sure we provide that for our students?
In response to your second question, I think that we can best provide our students with feedback and support if we have them bring in rough drafts frequently. We could require them to bring in a rough draft when there is a week remaining until the paper is due and hold an in-class peer review session. We could also encourage our students to talk with us throughout their writing process so we can provide feedback along the way. Unfortunately, many students might not take advantage of our willingness to help. Because of that, it would probably be a better idea to have due dates for rough drafts for peer review sessions.
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