Responding to Student Writing

* In "Responding to Student Writing," Nancy Sommers argues that an edit of a first draft should focus on developing students' ideas and not on the specific mechanics of the paper. Do you agree or disagree? *

Before reading this article, I had never really thought about the different purposed throughout the editing process. However, after reading Sommers' article, I have realized how critical these processes can be for the development of a sound paper. I agree with Sommers' argument that when editing a first draft, a teacher should put the most emphasis on critiquing the students' ideas and development of their argument. It seems pointless to edit the mechanics within a student's paper if you are then going to suggest that the student expand or revise a paragraph or entire section of their work. By advising the student to expand their ideas within their paper first and then focusing on mechanics in a second or third draft, teachers can provide students with a much more efficient critique of their work.

Also relating to Sommers' ideas, I believe the most important part of editing is to not only tell the students what needs to be revised, but to actually teach them better ways of communicating their ideas. It is part of a teachers job to show and further explain to students specifically how they can revise their paper in order to more effectively communicate their ideas. By being introduced to new techniques and approaches, students will actually feel like there is a real reason to revise and improve their work.