As previously mentioned, incorporating students' daily activities like the use of text messages and electronic mail to help teach writing, are some of the ideas forwarded by the National Council of Teachers of English. I believe that these can be helpful if not powerful learning tools. On the other hand I anticipate that many teachers would be unfamiliar with these strategies and doubtful about their benefits. This may make them hesitant to implement these ideas into the classroom- especially as it would require more planning and use of teachers' personal time and resources (particularly in the beginning phases).
For this reason , I believe that introducing these new ideas for teaching writing in the English classroom should be a nationwide endeavour so that most if not all schools gain exposure to these new efforts.
One teacher can make a change in the education system through how he teaches; however at this point we need more than just a handful of pioneer teachers on board trying to go against the grain. What we need is a nationwide effort to come together the appropriate aid, support and guidance from administration and Ministery officials and teachers. Otherwise, the efforts of the few who may initially want to make certain changes to how writing is taught may in the end become futile.
Too often we dismiss good ideas and discourage those who seek to make changes as we may become inconvenienced by the higher level of attention and care that is required from us for success. Perhaps if all come on board as a unit, then we will find the task less stressful and more approachable.
The first practical step that may be needed in my mind would be workshops for teachers and administrators alike to expose them to the strategies and their benefits. But it should not stop here. Our government as a whole, Ministry officials and the Ministry of Education need to be prepared to financially support whatever resources and materials may be needed for this venture to be a success.
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