Faigley, Lester, Roger D. Cherry, David A. Jolliffe, and Anna M. Skinner. Assessing Writers' Knowledge and Processes of Composing. 1985 Current methods of evaluating writing do not adequately reflect the research on composing that has prompted many writing programs to teach the composing process. Better evaluation would consider the literary, cognitive, and social dimensions of composing, and measure what writers know as well as what they do. Two methods developed for this study attempt to assess knowledge and process.
Professional writers learn their craft by writing with the help of an editor.
Freshman writers can learn the same way if the classroom is set up as a workshop in which students work independently, at their own pace, and consult the instructor for editorial guidance in brief conferences. The instructor should suggest writing projects tailored to each student's personal or career interests. Garrison provides detailed advice on commenting effectively in a short conference. Validity and Reliability Issues in the Direct Assessment of Writing. Yet direct assessment is still criticized by the College Board on grounds of inter-rater unreliability, based on studies through the years that show greater reliability for indirect measures.