Toward a Professional Development Model for Writing as a Digital, Participatory Process

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Toward a Professional Development Model for Writing as a Digital, Participatory Process
Language: English
Authors: Howell, Emily, Perez, Sara, Abraham, W. Todd
Source: Reading Research Quarterly. Jan-Mar 2021 56(1):95-117.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Faculty Development, Elementary School Teachers, Writing Instruction, Writing (Composition), Technology Integration, Collaborative Writing
DOI: 10.1002/rrq.294
ISSN: 0034-0553
Abstract: In this formative experiment, the authors focused on developing professional development for upper elementary school teachers and investigating how it was integrated into teachers' instruction to improve their ability to make writing a more digital, participatory process. Theoretical perspectives pertaining to technology use in education specify that this instruction should emphasize students creating rather than consuming information from media sources and that this creation process should be social. However, recent research of preadolescents has shown that although these students are using technology more in schools, they are often using technology to consume rather than create information. Further, literacy teachers, in particular, have identified barriers to integrating technology effectively into their curriculum. Thus, there is a critical need for professional development that helps teachers more effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. The objective of this study was to develop a professional development model that helps teachers engage students in writing as both a digital process and a social process. The essential elements studied in this model include the following: (a) sustained professional development, including the gradual release of teacher inquiry; (b) writing as a social practice; and (c) the use of digital tools to engage students in writing. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the authors studied the implementation of this professional development model in a summer institute and in teacher classrooms.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1280982
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:In this formative experiment, the authors focused on developing professional development for upper elementary school teachers and investigating how it was integrated into teachers' instruction to improve their ability to make writing a more digital, participatory process. Theoretical perspectives pertaining to technology use in education specify that this instruction should emphasize students creating rather than consuming information from media sources and that this creation process should be social. However, recent research of preadolescents has shown that although these students are using technology more in schools, they are often using technology to consume rather than create information. Further, literacy teachers, in particular, have identified barriers to integrating technology effectively into their curriculum. Thus, there is a critical need for professional development that helps teachers more effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. The objective of this study was to develop a professional development model that helps teachers engage students in writing as both a digital process and a social process. The essential elements studied in this model include the following: (a) sustained professional development, including the gradual release of teacher inquiry; (b) writing as a social practice; and (c) the use of digital tools to engage students in writing. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the authors studied the implementation of this professional development model in a summer institute and in teacher classrooms.
ISSN:0034-0553
DOI:10.1002/rrq.294