What do you expect
to gain from this module? Can you write three objectives?
By the end of this
module I would like to be able to...
a) understand and
principles behind creative writing approach(es)/theory -(ies).
b)
design effective creative
writing tasks.
c) write a Creative
Writing course program for our students at my current place of work.
d) become a better creative writer myself.
d) become a better creative writer myself.
Have you ever used
creative writing in your teaching? Can you think of an example? What was your
experience?
I think I have to
some extent. After checking the definition for Creative Writing (CW) given by
Wikipedia, I can say that I have done some CW in line with Marksberry's reference
to Witty and LaBrant's 3 point list as I have written at various stages my life
to 1. 'create records of significant experience' (my secondary and tertiary
education written work submitted for assessment e.g. University of Cambridge DELTA
work, my previous MA in TESOL various written essays, papers and dissertation,
my current MA in DTLT Reflective Blog and essays); 2. 'the need for sharing
experience with an interested group' (my own blog which in technology
integration into English Language Teaching (ELT) - Roberts Learning Together).
As far as the third point is concerned: 'the need for free individual
expression which contributes to mental and physical health', I'm afraid I
cannot say any of my writing falls under this category.
Have
you ever used technology-enhanced creative writing activities in your teaching? Can you give us an example? What was your experience?
Yes, I have. I
have used Story Dice, an iOS app
which allows you to throw virtual dice that have different icons on each side
and which serve to provide the elements of the story to be written by the
students. The main features as listed on the site are:
Features:
- Universal App for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with Retina support.
- Android app for phones and tablets include the Kindle Fire.
- Choose number of dice to roll, 1-10.
- Realistic dice sounds and still images.
- 100+ pictograms in dictionary.
- No reading necessary.
I've used this app with A2 students and above to various degrees of challenge,
but feedback has always been positive. An example would be for a B2 (First Cert) while giving a tablet to each
group of 4 to tell stories (Speaking) individually using the dice thrown. A
screenshot of each throw is taken to keep for the writing stage. Once this has
taken place and they have prepared, rehearsed and presented their stories to
the class, the focus is then on writing by putting in paper what they shared
while focusing on specific writing sub skills depending on what they need e.g.
use of cohesive devices, referents, etc.
What do you think
are the benefits of using creative writing in foreign language teaching? In
your opinion and experience, which levels benefit more from using creative
writing? Why?
I think there are
many benefits as it gives students an opportunity to prepare for their exams
e.g. Cambridge, IELTS or those of other boards, in an interesting and
motivating way thus giving them a little more freedom in the prescribed tasks
e.g. email, essay, letter, report, etc.
Although I cannot
say that I have extensive experience in teaching CW as most of it has been done
as part of my ordinary teaching of students and training of teachers, as part
of the syllabus or the course program, I would say that it can be successful at
all levels as I believe that the key is not the level itself but the informed
decisions made by the teacher as regards how to approach, present and 'sell' CW
to the students. Above all, the teacher needs to believe in it otherwise
students will not buy it. This is the
reason why, I also chose this module this semester. I want to know CW inside out
to be able to make more informed decisions as to what I do and how I do it in
class.
