Language Acquisition and Academic Writing: Theory and Practice of Effective Writing Instruction

Description

An important contribution to the scholarship on student writing and composition theory, this book presents a new approach to writing instruction based on linguistic research and theory. In this book, leading scholar James D. Williams explores the historical failures of composition studies and the need for effective writing instruction to be grounded in the immersive principles of language acquisition. Starting with an indictment of the historical failures of composition studies to teach students how to become competent writers, the book moves beyond the current flawed theories and practices to introduce a new way forward to improving students’ writing skills. Accessible and jargon-free, Williams skillfully explains how students must be immersed in target dialects and registers, with access to a range of authentic texts, to become effective writers of academic discourse. Chapters include authentic writing samples from the disciplines, including life and applied sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Essential for preservice and practicing teachers of writing, as well as scholars in composition and literacy studies, the book demonstrates how language acquisition is a necessary foundation and provides a road map to improving students’ writing proficiency. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: Theory and Practice in Composition Studies The Importance of Theories Good and Bad Characteristics of a Good Theory Writing Studies and Theory Theory in the Humanities Theory in Education, Composition Studies, and Social Science Models of Procedure A Lack of Linguistic Knowledge Writing Handbooks Writing Coherence More on Theory Writing in the Disciplines/Writing Across the Curriculum Myside Bias Notes Chapter 2: Language Acquisition and Academic Writing Acquisition Begins in the Womb Words, Structure, and Meaning Bilingualism and Language Innateness Semantics and Acquisition Dialects, Registers, and Code-Switching Code-Switching Critical Race Theory and Resister Notes Chapter 3: Analysis of Academic Writing The Input Hypothesis and Reading Back to That Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Becoming an Insider The Myth of Critical Thinking Creative Writing Courses The World of Doublespeak Conditions of Satisfaction Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Intention One More Time Style Is Everything, Supposedly Academic Writing and Education Goals Questions to Ask: Teachers and Students Writing in the Disciplines and Writing Across the Curriculum Chapter 4: Academic Writing for Success: Implementing a Language Acquisition Model Reading and Writing Activities Selecting an Area Structuring the Class Life and Applied Sciences Abstract Hypothesis Procedures and Methods Sample Papers for Study Physics Sample Student Papers Physics 20 Student Physics Paper 1 (S.W., a sophomore) A General Introduction to Solar Cells Physics 12 Student Physics Paper 2 (E.S., a sophomore) The Efficiency of a Solar Cell as It Varies with Illumination Introduction Theory Procedure Conclusion Physics 100 Student Physics Paper 3 (S.J., a freshman) The Greenhouse Effect Works Cited Biology Sample Student Papers Biology 130 Student Biology Paper 1: (L.L., freshman) The Effects of Jumpamine Chloride on Jumping Performance in Two Species of Frogs of the Genus Rana Introduction Materials & Methods The effect of JCl on jumping distance The effect of temperature on jumping distance Results Effect of JCl on jumping distance at 25°C The effect of temperature on jumping distance Discussion References Biology 20 Student Biology Paper 2: (C. B., sophomore) Ontogenetic Color Changes Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion References Academic Examples Sample 1: Ants of Grenada Sample 2: Cell Interactions and Patterned Intercalations Shape and Link Epithelial Tubes in C. elegans Sample 3: Anatomical Specializations for Enhanced Olfactory Sensitivity in Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli Sample 4: Effects of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation on Amphibians Social Science Psychology Sample Student Papers Developmental Psychology 310 Student Psychology Paper 1: A Research Proposal (A. V., a Junior) Developmental Periods and the Stability of Same-Sex Sexual Orientation Through Emerging Adulthood Abstract Data Collection Methods Participants Measures Anticipated Results Discussion References Psychology 10 Student Assignment 2: Article Analysis Student Psychology Paper 2 (M.D., a freshman) Analysis of Two Brainstorming Procedures Introduction Methods: Subjects Design Procedure Problems Scoring Results Discussion Evaluation Assignment 3: Psychology 201 Student Psychology Paper 3 (J.A. sophomore) Bipolar Disorder References Professional Papers Academic Text Sample 1 Academic Text Sample 2 Humanities: History History Sample Student Papers US History 10 Student History Paper 1 (R. W., a sophomore) Scopes, Bryan, Darrow, and the Monkey Bibliography World History 101 Student Paper 2: (A. S., freshman) Karl Marx and His Alienation Theory American History 10 Student Paper 3 (S. G., a freshman) Preserving the Union Note Works Cited Professional Papers History Example 1 History Example 2 History Example 3 References Index