ENG 345 Post # 7

The chapters that we had from Brown dealt with teaching reading and writing in the classroom. As a second language learner, I have always found reading to be the easiest out of the two for me.

In regards to reading Brown proposes techniques in how to provide students with good teaching steps in successfully reading in their target language. In order to be able to comprehend and understand a reading, one needs to have prior knowledge of basic vocabulary (or vocabulary of that certain topic), and be aware and recognize grammar structures and conjugations. Due to this, I found Brown's top down approach to be the most beneficial out of the two approaches. The other being the top down approach. However, because learners all have their own way of learning and connecting to things differently, a combination of the two and providing the students with both  of the approaches would fully benefit my students. They will be exposed to a various genres of reading context that can range from 18th century to poetry. Since these genres can tend to be a bit more difficult, it is good to have approaches and techniques for how to have a full understanding when reading.

In regards to writing, Brown states that "the process of writing is the most important rather than the product". I like his perspective on this topic. Although it may be easier to just grade a final product and not the process of it in the idea that it can be a little more subjective, I feel that paying attention to the process of how the student came to the finishing product is also more beneficial that just seeing the final product. Being able to base progress and writing levels is within the process; not necessarily always at the end of it. Not every student starts off at the same level finishes the same as another student. It is a learning process and students should learn from their mistakes in order to continue the process of creating better and better writing.

What are some techniques that students can use to practice their writing skills and find their voice in their writing pieces?