Developing writing textbook focused on a discourse synthesis task for foreign undergraduates.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a method of developing a writing textbook focused on a discourse synthesis task for the writing education of foreign undergraduates. The discourse synthesis task is proposed by Spivey, which is the process of reading several texts and producing their own texts related to the reading. The essential writing skill required for academic texts is `a skill to read reference and appropriately quote the necessary content in one`s writing`. In this regard, the discourse synthesis task is the most appropriate writing task to improve academic writing skills. In this paper, based on the discussions of previous studies on discourse synthesis and writing knowledge, the principles and goals of the textbook were set to focus on discourse synthesis. Also, the curriculum of discourse synthesis was proceduralized and subdivided into the topics for each unit. The contents of the unit consist of six steps, “Introduction, Exploration, Check up, Practice 1, Practice 2, Self assessment” which is introduction, presentation, practice, production and wrap up. (Korea University)