Published Resources Details Thesis

Author
McGilp, E. J.
Title
Children writing
Type of Work
MEd thesis
Imprint
Deakin University, Geelong VIC, 1985
Subject
Victoria
Abstract

This study concentrates on the narrative, expository and artistic writing of children in Year 3 and Year 6 in a Catholic primary school in Adelaide. It attempts to investigate how well children are taught to write at these two critically important years in the school. Research and theory presented provide the background to the study. The school statement of philosophy and the relevant South Australian Education Department documents, are reviewed for their significance to the study of writing. The outcome of the study shows that children are mainly exposed to narrative writing. It also shows that expository writing is not an easy task for the children, while poetry writing, the type of artistic writing nominated for the study, has much appeal for the weak writers. The study highlights the importance of a child grasping the schematic structure she is to use for writing. It also shows that when a child shows confidence in handling the schematic structure she is often prepared to share writing with others. Hence mastery of schema influences ownership of the written text. The study also challenges future evaluation of writing by teachers.