Because students are not permitted to read their presentations, they become aware of differences in oral and written communication. Equipped with vocabulary and lists of organized ideas and concepts, students can begin the writing process. Sometimes the process is initiated in class. Students will have 10-15 minutes of class time to write on the assigned topic. My assistant and I move around the classroom, answering questions and pointing out basic mistakes.
Students prepare all other writing assigments on their own at their own pace.
Regarding some of the longer essays I ask students to prepare a rough draft, which they can discuss in class with me or my assistant. For all assignments students are encouraged to see me or my assistant if they have any questions or problems. An additional writing-related activity is the identification of errors. Before one can identify one's own mistakes, it is sometimes easier to identify those of others. In small groups students identify and correct the mistakes.