Activity C

Supporting learners in writing

Tutors should understand that their learners will have some of the same concerns as they do about writing, and so should look at ways to support their learners to make the process of learning how to write as stress-free as possible.

Reflection, use of handout, discussion

Materials and equipment

Handout 7.1: How to Help Your Learner

Preparation

Copy handout.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Ask tutors what misconceptions they believe their learners might have about writing and what the origin of those misconceptions could be. Possible misconceptions include the following:
    • They need to know how to spell before they can start writing.
    • They don’t know how to write a proper sentence, so they can’t even start writing.
    • They are not sure what to write.
    • They are afraid of making mistakes and they can’t write if they make mistakes.
    • They are not sure how to start.
  2. Brainstorm with tutors how they could help learners become aware of their misconceptions about writing and how they might change them. Tutors may need to change their own misconceptions to be able to support their learners. This might be something that the tutor and learner could work on together. Look over the handout How to Help Your Learner and discuss effective ways to help learners with writing. For example:
    • how to support learners in determining an audience
    • how to create an environment to support learners in taking risks.


There is no reason to write unless there is a purpose.

Saskatchewan Level 1 Tutor Training Kit Tutor Manual