Writing Instruction for Success in College and in the Workplace

The Supporting Strategic Writers (SSW) method is an innovative, evidence-based approach to preparing students for college writing, focusing on developing independent learners with strategies for rhetorical analysis, planning, evaluation, critical reading, and synthesis. It includes metacognitive strategies for goal setting, task management, progress monitoring, and reflection. The book offers practical examples and instructor support for teaching developmental writing courses, first-year composition, summer bridge programs, and first-year seminars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

The Supporting Strategic Writers (SSW) book is a groundbreaking approach to preparing students for the challenges of college writing. Its main goal is to empower students to become independent learners who understand the importance of strategies and can apply them flexibly in future courses and workplaces. The text offers genre-based strategies for rhetorical analysis, planning, evaluation, revision, critical reading of sources, and synthesis of sources, all of which are essential components of college composition and applicable across various contexts and course assignments.

In addition to these analytical skills, the SSW approach emphasizes the development of metacognitive strategies such as goal setting, task management, progress monitoring, and reflection. These strategies help students take control of their learning and develop the ability to self-assess and self-regulate. Instructional methods employed in SSW include discussion of model essays, think-aloud modeling of strategies, collaborative writing, peer review and self-evaluation, and reflective journaling.

One of the key features of the book is its integration of three critical components: strategies for critical reading and writing, metacognitive strategies to help students take control of their learning, and pedagogical strategies. The authors provide thorough explanations of the strategies and instructional methods, accompanied by practical examples and support materials for instructors. Based on two years of design research and three experimental studies, the book has demonstrated significant positive effects on writing quality and motivation among college students in developmental writing courses.

Overall, the Supporting Strategic Writers book is a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices and help students succeed in college writing. Its innovative approach, evidence-based strategies, and comprehensive coverage of critical reading, writing, and metacognitive skills make it an essential tool for instructors looking to improve their students' writing abilities and academic success.

Dimension: 235 x 162 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768815