Writing as a tool for learning

The faculty at Ward College of Technology CT, USA is expanding emphasis on writing as a method of improving student learning. The approach is three-pronged: first, to expand the writing portion of laboratory reports; second, to include free writing exercises in theory classes; and third, to introduce oral presentations into the laboratory. As a result of these efforts, students are becoming more organized and critical in their thinking and writing, which is reflected in more precise troubleshooting procedures and technical analysis. Grade improvement is noticeable at the middle (B and C) levels. The process writing exercises used are presented, and the suggested methods for the use of oral presentations are described