I remember talking in class one day about what makes good writing, and what grade a particular essay would receive. One of the several criterion we discussed about a good paper was the ability for the reader to challenge his/her views and taking something away from the conclusion. Even if you didn't agree with what the author was saying, there was supposed to be some aspect that challenged your own beliefs. As we continued our conversation, someone in the class said that one of her professors wrote "so what?" on the student's paper after the professor read it. There was a general consensus in the room that we thought the professor was overly harsh and rude. When reading the article about a teacher's response, I began to think of that story. What did writing the words "so what" achieve; was she really supposed to be able to improve her writing if she didn't know what was flawed?
An important part of a teacher's response is his/her ability to tell the student exactly how their writing could be improved. Simply writing "so what" would only infuriate me and make me less likely to talk to that professor about how I could improve. Critiquing an essay is different than tearing it apart, which was what this professor did. Professors should also not critique style--every professor has his/her own style--but should make sure that the argument holds up. Being able to be an editor of your own work will, in the end, prove to be what makes you write more effectively.
I agree with what you said in response to the article we read for class this week. It is frustrating to never seem to know what the teacher wants to read and how to improve for future writing. A good professor works with the students to facilitate their progress in the outcome of their writing.
ReplyDelete