How Can We Use Strategies to Encourage Engagement, Alongside the Explicit Teaching of Vocabulary, in Order to Support Disadvantaged, SEND Pupils to Improve Their Descriptive Writing?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How Can We Use Strategies to Encourage Engagement, Alongside the Explicit Teaching of Vocabulary, in Order to Support Disadvantaged, SEND Pupils to Improve Their Descriptive Writing?
Language: English
Authors: Thomas, Laura
Source: English in Education. 2020 54(3):285-298.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Learner Engagement, Direct Instruction, Vocabulary, Special Needs Students, Disadvantaged, Males, Writing Instruction, Descriptive Writing, Student Motivation, Self Esteem, Self Efficacy, Foreign Countries, Intervention, Language Acquisition, Secondary School Students, Teaching Methods
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom (London)
DOI: 10.1080/04250494.2020.1794810
ISSN: 0425-0494
Abstract: This paper reports on an intervention in a London school with boys with special educational needs and a lack of motivation to write descriptively. They displayed inconsistency in their written outcomes and a repetitive, limited range of vocabulary. While these issues were intertwined, the strategies described in this paper sought firstly to tackle the motivation and engagement of these pupils with descriptive writing and secondly to address vocabulary acquisition in relation to writing. The sequence of lessons outlined in this paper addressed issues of self-confidence, self-efficacy and the specific needs of the group, alongside tackling the vocabulary gap and the need for in-depth scaffolding of writing. The combination of strategies outlined made an impact in both areas. However, pupils became more confident in their capacity to write, and there was a notable move away from a negative "bottom set" mentality.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1263971
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This paper reports on an intervention in a London school with boys with special educational needs and a lack of motivation to write descriptively. They displayed inconsistency in their written outcomes and a repetitive, limited range of vocabulary. While these issues were intertwined, the strategies described in this paper sought firstly to tackle the motivation and engagement of these pupils with descriptive writing and secondly to address vocabulary acquisition in relation to writing. The sequence of lessons outlined in this paper addressed issues of self-confidence, self-efficacy and the specific needs of the group, alongside tackling the vocabulary gap and the need for in-depth scaffolding of writing. The combination of strategies outlined made an impact in both areas. However, pupils became more confident in their capacity to write, and there was a notable move away from a negative "bottom set" mentality.
ISSN:0425-0494
DOI:10.1080/04250494.2020.1794810