Roots in the Sawdust: Writing to Learn Across the Disciplines

Written by teachers, the chapters in this book show how writing fosters learning in math, science, English, social studies, foreign language, philosophy, psychology, and art. Following an introduction by Anne Ruggles Gere, the first chapter, "Writing to Learn: The Nurse Log Classroom," by Steve Pearse, presents a comprehensive overview of a writing to learn classroom. The remaining chapters, each presenting a different angle on writing to learn, are as follows: "Writing for Art Appreciation" by Priscilla Zimmerman, "Writing to Learn German" by Deborah Peterson, "Writing to Learn Social Studies" by Bruce Beaman, "Teaching Special Education History Using Writing-to-Learn Strategies" by Ray Marik, "Writing to Learn Science" by Patricia Johnston, "Writing in Math Class" by Don Schmidt, "Writing to Learn Philosophy" by Jessie Yoshida, "Writing to Learn History" by Tom Watson, "Better Writers, Better Thinkers" by Stephen Arkle, "Writing to Learn Means Learning to Think," by Syrene Forsman, "Thirty Aides in Every Classroom" by Janet K. West, "The Course Journal" by Pat Juell, "An Impartial Observer's View of Write-to-Learn Classes" by Barbara Bronson, and "Writing and Learning: What the Students Say" by Ralph S. Stevens III. A glossary and an annotated bibliography conclude the book.