Lecture Notes: Understanding Writing and Literacy

Speaker Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Emily Zarka
• Session: Study Hall Rhetoric and Composition

Key Concepts

Understanding Writing

• Writing is not a singular skill but a set of diverse skills.
• There is no instant mastery of writing; it is an ongoing process of improvement.

Self-Perception as a Writer

• Many people decide early on whether they are good or bad writers.
• Fixed perceptions can limit growth:
  • Believing oneself to be a bad writer can prevent trying.
  • Believing oneself to be a good writer can halt further learning.

Literacy

• Literacy extends beyond reading; it involves mastery in different contexts.
• Skills grow together as we gain knowledge and capability.

Writing in Different Contexts

School Writing

• School writing establishes basics but may focus too much on structure (e.g., five-paragraph essays).
• Teachers balance between teaching useful strategies and evaluating students.
• Implicit biases may affect writing assessment.

Workplace Writing

• Different fields emphasize particular aspects of writing (e.g., brevity, technicality).
• Workplace writing often involves simplifications, but they're not the full truth about writing.

Personal Writing

• Involves sophisticated tasks like quick note-taking or complex planning.
• Everyday writing helps develop complex writing literacies.

Writing as Sets of Literacies

• Writing encompasses various forms: emails, notes, social media posts, etc.
• Understanding writing beyond just grammar is crucial.
  • Differences in dialects and language use should be recognized.
  • Grammar is important, but not the sole determinant of good writing.

Case Study: Detective Benedict Writerbatch

• Initially viewed himself as a weak writer due to past experiences.
• Realized his strengths in social media, family communications, and application essays.
• Example of how self-reflection can reveal a broader writing skill set.

Principles for Writing Improvement

1. Variety in Writing: Acknowledge different genres and styles.
2. Skill Development: Writing is learned, practiced, and improved.
3. Grammar and Language: Recognize dialect differences; grammar aids clarity but isn’t the whole story.

Conclusion

• Writing skills can improve regardless of past perceptions.
• New stories about our writing potential can always be written.
• Encouragement to continue learning and improving writing techniques.

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• Note: This lecture is part of the Study Hall Project, a collaboration between ASU and Crash Course.