Discipline-specific Writing
Overview
Interpreting and composing discipline-specific texts requires tailoring literacy strategies, like annotating or asking questions, to the disciplinary goals and practices. Examining how claims are structured in different subject areas and how to express their own ideas promotes students' Disciplinary Literacy and familiarizes them with the unique ways to think and write for each discipline. Disciplinary writing can also strengthen students' memories of the subject material.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Starting at 1:35, watch how teachers from four different subject areas foster learning in their subjects by teaching Disciplinary Literacy specific to their subjects. They use the read-write-think-discuss model to engage students deeply in the disciplines and work through the content in their class. Doing this collaboratively in the classroom through interactive activities also helps reduce students' anxiety around reading and writing in those subject areas.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Instructional Approaches Strategies
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