Writing Assignments Augment Learning in Introductory Geology Courses

Abstract

Writing assignments can be a valuable teaching tool to help students learn geology and develop their writing and thinking skills. The view that writing is a process through which students learn, as well as a product that can be evaluated, has stimulated renewed interest in using writing assignments to teach geology. To write, one must go through thought processes such as understanding concepts, organizing material, making comparisons, analyzing data, developing arguments, and drawing conclusions. In introductory geology courses, writing assignments such as in-class responses, journals, abstracts, short papers, laboratory reports, and term projects can help develop valuable thought processes and augment students' comprehension. Many students have never written a paper for a science class and need instruction about expected content, format, and style, and guidance in writing, reviewing, and revising papers. Pre-writing exercises, required or optional rewrites, and critical review by the instructor and peers...