1. Two Views of Writing
Lynn W Zimmerman, PhD

2. Learning and Acquisition
Learning – writing must be taught directly
Acquisition – writing is acquired as students use written language for real purposes

3. Learning: Classroom Practices
Teacher’s beliefs about writing as learned or acquired shapes classroom practices
Writing is learned
divide writing into component parts and teach each part directly and systematically
focus on handwriting, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and conventional organizational forms
writing full sentences, coherent paragraphs, and the 5-paragraph essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end

4. Acquisition: Classroom Practices
Teachers view of writing from acquisition perspective
focus on comprehensible written language
write with their students
create workshop-type structures
students work together as they write
written language develops best when students focus on message and form
close connection between reading and writing

5. Side by Side Learning view of writing Acquisition view of writing
Focus on form
Focus on form and content
Topics assigned and students’ writing corrected
Gradual release model of language writing experience
Component parts – directly taught
Workshops for sharing the process
Writing conventions taught
Authentic writing purposes

6. Your Experience
Which is most common in your experience, learning or acquisition?
What do you think about the differences between the two views?
How can a teacher who is learning-focused bring more of acquisition view into the classroom?
Should a teacher who espouses the acquisition view teach form?

7. References
Freeman, D. & Freeman, Y. (2014). Essential linguistics. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.