Whenever a new term starts with my developmental writing classes, I always ask, "Who hates writing?" Usually, over 90% of those sitting in front of me raise their hands. Then I ask, "How many of you enjoy reading?" Only about 15% of the class reads anything other than their textbooks. Finally, I ask, "How many of you know that if you read, you'll write better and if you learn to speak well, you'll write better?" No one raises their hand.
For me, this is a problem. Now I understand that I have to get them to unlearn some bad habits, encourage them to read, and teach them how to write because unfortunately--most of my students think putting words on a piece of paper is writing.
Why is their lack of understanding a problem for me? When a student thinks--not knows--that they know something, they are reluctant to heed instruction and change as needed. In fact, I provide a great deal of feedback on every paper written and there is seldom any change from the first paper they write to the last one because they chose not to read my comments. Trying to get them to understand the point of correction and what writing encompasses becomes an uphill battle that many of them lose.
After the first four weeks of class, attendance becomes sparse as those who started realize there is more work to writing than just putting words on paper. By the end of the term, there are usually only about seven or eight students who finish it because the others realized--they just didn't want to put the effort to change--they didn't want to change how they talked and they didn't want to read.
Out of the seven or eight who complete a class, they at least understand the value of being able to write well in order to become more effective communicators--writing and speaking. Since I encourage my students to read my books, at least three or four of the remaining students actually read one.
After every term, at least two of the students who finished the class, keep in touch with me and thank me for forcing them to work to their potential. And that's what keeps me writing and teaching.
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