Breakthroughs: Classroom Discoveries About Teaching Writing

Breakthroughs makes a unique contribution to the discussion of teaching writing. The text takes a step back from general concepts and practical lessons to ask "Where do good teaching ideas come from?" In twenty-five essays, National Writing Project teachers take readers on the journey that led them to ask and answer such questions as "How can students find the stories that advance their ideas in essays?" and "How can students be prodded to continue to work beyond a first draft?" Some of these ideas were inspired by talking with colleagues. Others sprang from desperation. But in all cases the writers detail the practical application of their "breakthroughs," describing not only their successes but also their glitches. While Breakthroughs reminds readers of where teaching ideas come from, it also provides nuts-and-bolts advice in areas of common concern: How do we generate student writing? What strategies can we use to help students with problems of form and style? How can students fin