Leadership Updates
Letter From the Chair
SLWIS Chair Christine Tardy updates member on events at TESOL 2010 and plans for the upcoming year.
Read the full item online...
Articles
Beyond “Help!”: A Strategies-Based Approach to Improving L2 Writing
This article offers practical strategies to help second language writers with four common “deep” problems in their texts: writer’s block, focus, critical thinking, and revision. Links to activities are provided (see http://nigelteacher.wordpress.com/handouts/).
Read the full item online...
Composition Textbooks for University Writing Programs: A Comparison of Three Bestsellers
This project applies theory from rhetoric and applied linguistics to make an analytical framework for comparing three best-selling composition textbooks and identify gaps to inform the design of future textbooks. Also, it suggests that effective writing pedagogy employs applied linguistic theory, including register variation, input-output mapping, explicit versus implicit knowledge, and learner attention.
Read the full item online...
Book Review
Review of Interactive Notebooks And English Learners: How to Scaffold Content For Academic Success
Interactive Notebooks and English Learners: How to Scaffold Content for Academic Success by Carter, Hernandez, and Richison provides specific instructions for teachers on the process of making content not only accessible but also rich for English learners at any grade level. Teacher-directed, student-created notebooks invite English learners to participate in the learning process.
Read the full item online...
Review of Adventures in Composition: Improving Writing Skills Through Literature
This book provides writing instructors with thematically based units that combine reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary exercises. Each chapter centers on a short story written by a well-known author, and the majority of the exercises and activities are connected to the short story.
Read the full item online...
Review of Teaching Academic Writing: An Introduction for Teachers of Second Language Writers
This book introduces issues of second language writing by drawing from current research in terms of conducting needs analysis, different approaches in teaching academic writing, vocabulary, intercultural issue in academic writing, feedback, and assessment through the social constructionism perspective.
Read the full item online...
Context Column
CALL: Internet Tools for Teaching ESL/EFL Academic Writing
This article provides a rationale for using the Internet for teaching ESL/EFL writing and suggests a number of different activities and tools for ESL/EFL academic writing instructors. The activities cover issues such as identifying credible references, editing and citation in writing, and handling writing course loads for instructors.
Read the full item online...
EFL: Multidimensional Vocabulary Acquisition: Implications for Writing
This article focuses on an emergent trend in teaching vocabulary: approaching words from a variety of perspectives so that the word is thoroughly analyzed, giving students access to all “dimensions” of the word. The article defines the approach, presents a rationale, and highlights pedagogical implications.
Read the full item online...
Four-Year Liberal Arts College/University: “Are You The ESL Person?”: First Impressions as an L2 Liaison
One of a series of articles describing some key questions and challenges in defining the institutional “niche” of ESL specialist.
Read the full item online...
Convention Updates
TESOL 2010 Highlighted Sessions
Special Event at TESOL 2010
Mark your convention calendars now! Plan to attend An Evening with Friends of Second Language Writing: Re-Imagining Second Language Writing.
Read the full item online...
Announcements and Information
The Symposium on Second Language Writing: 2009 Report and 2010 Preview
A report on the 2009 Symposium on Second Language Writing (SSLW), held at Arizona State University, and a look to the 2010 Symposium in Murcia, Spain.
Read the full item online...
About This Member Community
Second Language Writing Interest Section Contact Information
TESOL’s Second Language Writing IS provides a forum for researchers and educators across grade levels and institutional settings to discuss and exchange information in the area of second language writing. Join the conversation.
Read the full item online...
SLW News: Call for Submissions
SLW News is soliciting articles on second language writing theory, research, and pedagogy in all ESL/EFL settings. Consider submitting a piece for the next issue.
Read the full item online...
