Slide 2:
Why writing review teams?
Our students told us they wanted the ‘freedom to write’ – to explore different genres, spend time on extended writing, make their own choices, be creative, have master classes that addressed their point of need.
This was about us giving up control.
BUT how were we going to know what they were doing, what they needed? The answer
Establish ‘writing review teams’
Use the Ultranet (Victorian DEECD initiative) as a sharing and working space for the teams.
Slide 3:
Purpose
To work together to improve the quality of everyone’s writing. Team members were expected to:
take a piece of writing to each weekly review meeting
have questions ready and/or know what they need help with
contribute to discussions
be accountable for work
reflect on progress/learning/goals Review Teams
6 students
a shared collaborative space for each team
a page within that space for each team member to upload their writing.
Slide 4:
Purpose for the collaborative space ….
Ease of access for all team members to view each other’s writing
A central place for reviewing, reflecting and goal setting
Can see progress of team and individual students throughout the term
Accountability
Ease of access for assessment, evaluation, teaching and learning decisions
Slide 5:
Students wanted to set out their page in a way that suited them.
Some used a blog and had writing samples and reflections together
Some used a wiki and created different sections for writing samples and reflections.
Others took a while to work out the best way. Student pages
Slide 6:
Each week a different team member took on the role of team leader. An essential part of their role was to write a report on the group meeting for the week. As we shared examples these developed in detail and complexity throughout the term.
Slide 7:
SUCCESSFUL? Why?
Students could easily share their work
Everything was easily accessible
Accountability to themselves, to the group and to us
It promoted discussion, questioning, sharing of successes, recognition of talents and skills
Students were supported as they became more comfortable and confident with the process
Modelling from peers
Quality writing ABSOLUTELY From the students
I learnt that the first time you show someone it won't always be right so you need to try and try again until it's perfect.
Editing improvements, confidence and lots of ideas
I did my best work in 2 years and my Dad, Mum and me were very happy.
We got to work with people that normally we wouldn't and we got to hear some really good feedback and hear other people’s opinions
Slide 8:
Margo Edgar
edgar.margo.i@edumail.vic.gov.au
Twitter : medg56 Foot note
The culminating event was a Writer’s Festival. The students had an opportunity to share and celebrate their skills as authors. They read chosen extracts from their writing to family, friends and fellow students.