Improving Writing Proficiency in Modern Language Classes
Session Coordinators: Myriam Krepps and Edmée Fernández
Dept. of Modern Languages & Literatures, Pittsburg State University
408 Grubbs Hall, 1701 S. Broadway, KS 66762-7523
mkrepps@pittstate.edu

Using Reading Journals to Improve Writing Proficiency in Spanish

This presentation describes the use of “ Reading Journals” in the Readings in Hispanic Literature and Civilization fourth semester course. “ Reading Journals” and “Journal Swap” are writing techniques used in English classes that are being adapted for this Spanish reading class. There are several benefits to using these two writing techniques. The “ Reading Journal” allows the student to express in writing their own personal insights, and strengthen their ability to observe, to take notes, to reflect on their notes, and to ask questions, all of which is later invaluable to write an analytical paper. Devoting class time to consciously rewriting and recombining sentences with coordinating and subordinating devices, helps student move up to the advanced level of writing proficiency.

Edmée Fernández
Pittsburg State University
efernand@pittstate.edu

Writing to Learn in French Composition Classes

My presentation will focus on my work with first and second semester French Language and Culture classes offered as Writing to Learn (WL is the denomination given to classes part of WAC—Writing Across the Curriculum—at Pittsburg State University), and how the writing skills students acquired and developed at beginning levels can improve effectively their third and fourth semester courses in French Grammar and Composition. At PSU, WAC cannot be used in any composition classes, however WL techniques and pedagogy can be applied in composition classes to help students develop their writing skills, especially when these skills must be acquired in a language other than English. This presentation will also show the workings of the dual goal of the WL classes in strengthening content (grammar) and skill (composition) in French classes.

Myriam Krepps
Pittsburg State University
mkrepps@pittstate.edu

What Modern Language Writing Teaches WAC

University-wide Writing Across the Curriculum programs include courses in a wide range of disciplines, each bringing its own presumptions about evidence, methods of scrutiny, and communication style. In effect, each discipline has a language of its own. To deal with this fact, WAC programs can take a cue from teachers of modern languages. Most important, WAC directors should think of language as a way of knowing, not just a syntax and a vocabulary. Modern language teachers help students learn a new language in two important ways: by immersing them in the language and culture and by involving all of the students’ senses. Internet, tapes, videos, Blackboard, stories, and writing assignments, five days a week, create immersion. Students playing roles, walking through mock houses, and playing bingo bring language to the body. My paper examines ways that Writing Intensive courses can use these techniques to help students learn the languages of multiple disciplines. By combining WAC theory and theories of language acquisition, teachers should be able to help students learn and write in any discipline.

 Kathleen De Grave
Pittsburg State University
kdegrave@pittstate.edu