Barbara W. Coles Trader
The fifth phase will allow the students to expand and practice the essential elements for proficient writers. During the previous phases, the students have had the same goals, objectives and similar needs. However, by this point, some students will have advanced more than others, and some students will need to continue to work on earlier phases.
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a.) Independent Group—These students will have a lesser need for the instructor’s input. The instructor will have brief
group
conferences with the students to review the content criteria. They can revise what they have composed independently. The students will refer to the “Final Draft Skills List.” *This group will reach the seventh phase at a faster pace.
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b.) Semi-independent Group—The students will need more
teacher-directed input
and conferences when they are revising. It is important that this group participates in “Independent Group” conferences to help them to achieve the higher level. Research has shown that peer teaching is an effective way of stimulating growth at both levels.
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c.) Dependent Group—“The students will need more
teacher-directed input
before they begin to revise; they will sign-up for
individual conferences
” (Adelman and Horan, p. 72). Do not be discouraged if this group doesn’t obtain “Phases 6-7.” This group will do many drafts before the sixth phase.
Conference Suggestions
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1. The instructor’s questions and comments should be supportive/encouraging.
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2. Place the
table
in a quiet place/corner.
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3. Sit beside the individual students rather than across the table as an authority figure.
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4. Help the individual students to feel comfortable when collaborating; the students will gain more confidence and self-esteem.