Start with Free Writing
Use writing to encourage students to organize their thoughts on paper is a good first step when writing to learn:
During a class:
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After introducing a topic to students have them write for 5 minutes on everything they know about the topic. Ask them to relate any experience they've had with the topic and/or examples they might know of that relates to the topic.
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Have students spend 2 min. reviewing their writing. Ask them to underline the two most important points from their writing and share them with the class.
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Spend 10 to 15 min. discussing any patterns as a group
At the end of a class or beginning of a subsequent class:
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Have students free write for 5 minutes on the most important points they learned in class (or from readings or guest speakers or videos, etc.)
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At the end of 5 minutes have students categorize the kinds of ideas they remembered.
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Spend 10-15 minutes discussing any areas that are missing, unclear, or particularly important.
Other topics, or prompts, for free writes include:
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Expressing opinions about current controversies in the field
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Applying course content to everyday experiences
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Choosing and supporting a position or competing viewpoint
Source: "Other topics" from Writing (even a little bit) fasciliates learning. Dr. Maryellen Wimer, PhD., Faculty Focus
