Musings on writing in the classroom

So, I'm teaching a Creative Writing class this semester. I have never taught Creative Writing before, and I've only done a little of it myself. It's going to be an interesting semester in that respect, but that's not what I wanted to write about.

To start the class, I asked the students to write a short piece that explores and discusses the history of their writing: where did they learn? What do they like writing about? How have they grown? What do they like and dislike about writing?

Their responses were mostly what I expected: they started in elementary school. They wrote lots of creative pieces when they were younger. They had a teacher at some point who really lit a fire for them about writing.

Another common thread was the dislike of structured writing assignments in academic classes. This is not surprising, especially coming from a group that is highly creative and fights against conformity. This is also not a problem for me as the teacher; the Creative Writing class is an elective and is therefore more flexible in terms of structure and how we go about class each day. Doing a true writing workshop structure here is not a problem.

No, my issue with the dislike of structured academic writing is in how it works in a mainstream, required English or Social Studies class where almost all of the writing assignments are teacher-controlled.

I understand the arguments from the teacher's perspective: We have standards that must be met, and to our knowledge, this is the best way to demonstrate mastery of standards and skills. Also, many of our students will be heading to college after high school, and each discipline has its own writing structure that students must work with and within. Isn't it best that they get accustomed to that now? Then there's the organizational nightmare that would result if every kid got to pick what and how and about what they were going to write. I get that. It runs through my head on a daily basis.

However, I absolutely get where students are as well. I don't like having something forced on me more than anyone else does. I know that students are more excited and interested in writing when they can choose what to write about. I know that each of them are in different places with their writing and need instruction/direction/help to varying degrees and on varying topics and skills.

So, how? How do I/we create a space that accomplishes the goals we need to without sacrificing student ownership of their learning? How do I/we do that in the traditional high school environment? What needs to change or be present to make this work? What's the hybrid?

I'm throwing this out there in hopes that someone has some good ideas to share. Please share away! I'll do the same as I come up with ideas. :)

That's it for tonight. Take care!