A Reflexive Approach to Teaching Writing: Enablements and Constraints in Primary School Classrooms

Mary Ryan Macquarie University ; Maryam Khosronejad Macquarie University ; Georgina Barton University of Southern Queensland ; Lisa Kervin University of Wollongong ; Debra Myhill University of Exeter

Abstract

Writing requires a high level of nuanced decision-making related to language, purpose, audience, and medium. Writing teachers thus need a deep understanding of language, process, and pedagogy, and of the interface between them. This article draws on reflexivity theory to interrogate the pedagogical priorities and perspectives of 19 writing teachers in primary classrooms across Australia. Data are composed of teacher interview transcripts and nuanced time analyses of classroom observation videos. Findings show that teachers experience both enabling and constraining conditions that emerge in different ways in different contexts. Enablements include high motivations to teach writing and a reflective and collaborative approach to practice. However, constraints were evident in areas of time management, dominance of teacher talk, teachers’ scope and confidence in their knowledge and practice, and a perceived lack of professional support for writing pedagogy. The article concludes with recommendations for a reflexive approach to managing these emergences in the teaching of writing.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
2021-07-01
DOI
10.1177/07410883211005558
Open Access
Closed
Topics

Citation Context

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Cites in this index (4)

  1. Research in the Teaching of English
  2. Written Communication
  3. Research in the Teaching of English
  4. College Composition and Communication
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