Page 305 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

ACTIVITY 11.2

Assessing and Revising

Learning skills: observing, recording, being non-judgmental

WHY

All published writing, including this textbook, and all forms of scientific, academic, creative, and journalistic
writing, goes through multiple revisions. Even professional writing within a company often gets feedback
before it is shared with a wider audience. Editors, colleagues, or other experts in the field give feedback on
the information presented, the organization of the information, the style of the writing, and how the piece
of writing addresses the needs of the intended audience.

This is consistent with the Writing Methodology, which requires assessment, revision, and proofreading
before the writer turns in an assignment or produces a final copy. If you become comfortable and efficient at
assessing and editing your own written work, you will become a more confident writer who can consistently
produce high quality written work. Sometimes what we want to say is so clear in our own mind that we
have a hard time seeing that we haven’t made that clear in our writing. Assessing a classmate’s work will
give you practice in assessing your own work because you will only have the written page to go on. Being
able to assess others’ writing and receiving assessments about your writing from others will make you a
stronger writer. And that will make you a successful student and a valued employee in your field!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Build appreciation for the value of assessment and revision.

2. Practice performing an assessment.

3. Use assessment feedback to make revisions in your written work.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Criterion #1: the assessment feedback you provide
Attributes:
a. objective, accurate, and detailed
b. responds to prompts in the Writing Assessment Form

Criterion #2: the revised draft of the essay you produce
Attributes:
a. changes are made based on at least five feedback items
b. overall quality is improved

Chapter 11 — Writing in College 299