1. How the “Student Writer” is Constructed in First-Year College Composition: Evidence from the Composition Studies Literature, an Instructor Survey, and Textbooks
- Author
-
Martin, Katie Marie
- Subjects
- Composition, First-year composition, First-year writing instruction, Student writers
- Abstract
In this study, I explore several ways in which literature in the field of composition and composition instructors have constructed students for the purpose of better understanding the “why” behind course design, assignment design, and preconceptions of students. I investigate the history of the field of composition and attitudes toward students in the field first, noting the way that constructions of students have shifted from negative views of students lacking skills to positive views of students harnessing their writing abilities, along with some major approaches to teaching composition over the past few decades. I then present the results of a survey I conducted with first-year composition instructors about how they perceive their first-year composition students. This survey resulted in a better understanding of how student engagement and participation influence their preconceptions of students. Finally, I look at five textbooks that are commonly assigned for first-year composition courses. I examine the prefaces of these textbooks to determine how the editors view students, what the aims of the textbooks are, and what the editors have in mind for students. I then consider commonalities among the textbooks. Unlike other studies of first-year composition students, I focus on what trends in the field and expectations of students really say about them. My study provides a new approach to considering how instructors’ views of students can impact how they teach and interact with students. My findings from my review of the literature, the instructor survey, and textbook analysis indicate that three main constructions of first-year composition students are students as active participants in the classroom, students as writing strategists, and students as writers for life. These findings are useful for instructors to consider when designing instruction and structuring methods of feedback and conferencing for students.
- Published
- 2022