Conferencing+P+Abbott

The part that struck me about this chapter is on page 112-113. I loved the dialogue that the teacher and the student were having about the student's writing. I was impressed that the student knew as a learner that she was "stuck" and knew that if she wrote things out she would get unstuck. I could definitely tell that the conferencing between the teacher and the student was not a new process. The student knew the writing process and talking through the process with the teacher left the writer independent and knowing the next step of the writing. The teacher will then move on to another student and eventually touch base with that student.

The conference piece with students are very important as it is a great way for the students to have individual time with the teacher.

I agree with Pam, I too liked this passage. The teacher knew exactly what to say to the student to get her "unstuck" and motivated to move on. Conferencing with a student who will listen will improve student work. I have seen that in my classes also. Students read my comments and they make improvements to their work immediately. The student knew the value of prewriting strategies because of her teacher.

Mark's Comments: I wonder about the dream world these authors live in with their examples. Yes it was a great passage I will agree with that, but let's be serious. That was one student at one given instance. These instances occur often, but for some reason we as teachers still don't reach the needs of all our students.