Argument Writing

Effective Teaching-“The kind of teaching in which students learn to do, with support, what they cannot do or do not already do by themselves, the kind of teaching in which students learn happily, willingly, even enthusiastically” (Hillocks 1).

                I have learned a great deal from reading and studying the textbook Teaching Argument Writing by George Hillocks. I was captured by Hillock’s first page. The definition above is in the first paragraph of the Introduction. This is my purpose in life to become an effective teacher. I want to be that one teacher who made a difference in a student’s life.  Hillock has a great ability to effectively show teachers how to teach argumentative writing. He breaks down each step and gives real life examples.

                My “AH-HA” moment was when I read the first chapter “Whodunit?” by teaching arguments of fact and evidence to student through the fun of solving mysteries. I think this is genius. Students will not even realize they are learning. But they are finding evidence to support their claims when solving these simple mysteries. I think I will start off with the simple mysteries and gradually progress to more difficult ones. Also, the different levels of difficulty could be used with ESOL students and struggling readers/learners.

                In chapter 5, "Answering Difficult Question" is one of my favorite chapters. I love how Hillock turn locating criteria into something of purpose and has the students read example which is essentially mentor text. By being able to dissect award submissions and murder cases, the students are learning how to write better and support their claims, evidence and warrants.  

                My teaching strategies will be to scaffold the learning process as Hillock has explained in the text.  By having different mini lesson to zero in on specific aspects of writing a powerful argumentative essay, the students will get a better understand of each step and be able to master each one.  Making the lessons student centered will help the students learn on a more productive level.  Using small group discussion, class discussion, and collaboration will increase the chances of the newly taught information becoming knowledge that the students will retain for their lifetime, not just for a test.