Annotated Bibliography #4

Smagorinsky, Peter. “The Writer’s Knowledge and the Writing Process: A Protocol Analysis.” Research in the Teaching of English 25.3 (1991): 336-364. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/40171416>.

Smagorinsky performs a study to determine the most effective method of teaching English. The three methods of the study are the model procedure, where students imitate a model text; general procedures, which are based on Donald Murray’s theories that recommend students should “choose their own topics and explore them through unrestricted writing” (340); and task-specific procedures, which are based on Hillocks’s view that learning specific writing skills creates the best written work. Smagorinsky’s study leans towards Hillocks’s view as the strongest because it develops the strongest critical thinking skills. However, the study was small, so the results aren’t entirely conclusive. The problem, however, is time. The models procedure is the quickest to teach, but it “puts the great burden of how to write on students” (361). The other two are more time-consuming, especially with curriculum demands. I’m not sure I agree with Smagorinsky’s conclusions about what is best. He doesn’t take into account the role of revision. Task-specific procedures seem far too demanding on teachers and seem like an extension of model procedures. It seems that Murray’s procedures for writing would lead to more healthy writing habits and thinking skills down the road for students.