6. Required Writing Assignment
Free Writing: In this exercise, you will need to set a timer for ten minutes. Then, put your pen to paper and begin writing. You must write words on the paper for the entire period of time. You can start out by writing, "This is stupid, this is dumb, I hate this," but within a few minutes you will find that you are writing and the timer will surprise you.
The purpose of free writing is to loosen up the process. Peter Elbow, author of any number of books on teaching writing, especially teaching writing to adults [Anyone Can Write (2003), Writing with Power (1981), Writing Without Teachers (1973)] is a strong proponent of using free writing. He is an engaging writer himself, and his books offer excellent insight into the writing and revising process.
Optional: Watch this video about free writing:
Look back at the list of your feelings about writing from the Before You Begin activity and post your insights into the free writing process in "Comment." Then read what others have to say.
Other Writing Activities
The following are some other activities you can use with your student to encourage writing:
Required Assignment
Read Sandra Kerka's article, Journal Writing as an Adult Learning Tool, found at: http://www.ericdigests.org/1997-2/journal.htm
How does journal writing help develop learning in the adult? What are some concerns raised in this article? How can you, working one on one, make use of the journaling technique? Post a few of your thoughts in "Comments."