Using conference writing

Conference writing is an activity where writers discuss and share their writing with an individual or group.

Conference writing helps writers improve their own writing by

• developing their ideas
• correcting their own mistakes, and
• learning to communicate their ideas clearly.

Here are some guidelines to follow when you use conference writing :

• Do not correct spelling errors or general surface structure details during conferencing.
• Create a supportive environment, not a competitive one if you are working in a group.
• Resist directing changes that will take ownership away from the writer.
• Respond first to the message and content before moving on to any teaching points.

1. Have each writer select a topic to write about.
2. Discuss the selected topic with the writer.
3. Instruct each writer or group of writers to write a first draft . Encourage writers to express their thoughts and ideas freely without worrying about writing rules.
4. Arrange a private conference with each writer.
   • Have each writer read his or her story.
   • Listen to the story and repeat what you heard.
   • Ask each writer relevant questions relating to content, but not grammar or spelling.
   • Let the writer discover things that might be added or changed.
   Group variation
   • Have writers read their stories out loud to the group, instead of discussing the story with the teacher.
   • Have the group members help writers discover things they may want to change.
5. Instruct each writer to write a second draft, making the additions and corrections that were discussed in conference.
6. Arrange another private or group conference with each writer and repeat the conference activities of Step 4.

   • Does the writer want to make further changes?

     • If yes, let them rewrite the story, then repeat this step.
     • If no, go to Step 7.
   • Do not suggest changes unless the writer indicates a desire to make further improvements.
7. Distribute the final drafts and encourage the class to read all of the newly written stories.

• Borneman 1988
• Using tok ples to learn how to read and write 1993
• Burris, Temple, and Nathan 1988

• Task module: Using conference writing
• In task module: Developing writing skills
• In task module: Developing literacy skills, by Martha A. Lane (contributor), Delle P. Matthews (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Glenys Waters (contributor), Anne Klaassens (editor), and Trudy K. Stewart (editor, contributor)
• In task module: Teaching people to read and write, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International