Instructing students on the intricacies of the revision and editing process can be a challenging task. Most educators I’ve interacted with share a similar narrative. They kick off the year with a keen focus on this aspect, but due to various constraints, maintaining that momentum becomes difficult. Consequently, students are left to collaborate amongst themselves, and the outcome often falls short of expectations.
Three Common Revision & Editing Hurdles:
- Difficulty in Detecting Errors: Some students may review their work without spotting areas of improvement, while they may fare better when reviewing a peer’s work. Conversely, others find it challenging to detect mistakes in any piece they review.
- Lengthy Revision & Editing: Let’s face it, revising and editing isn’t a swift process, more so when individualized attention is required for students.
- Lack of Constructive Feedback: Often, peer reviews yield comments like “Looks good” or “I like it,” which lack depth and don’t offer actionable insights.
However, I have a strategy that can tackle these prevailing concerns with the revision and editing process.
Understanding “Authentic” Revision & Editing:
The term “authentic” in this context refers to real-world application. For instance, when we draft an email, blog post, or book, we either self-edit or seek someone’s opinion. Instead of just giving students a checklist, I emphasize immersing them in a holistic process, mirroring real-world practices. Here’s how:
- Group Discussions: Allow students to discuss and critique each other’s work. This replicates how professional writers share and refine ideas.
- Leverage Skilled Editors: Formulate student pairs intelligently, pairing proficient editors with those who may need guidance, fostering peer learning.
- Real-World Alignment: Aim for an approach that mirrors the processes employed by actual writers.
Prioritizing Constructive Feedback:
For the revision process to be truly impactful, students should be making significant changes to improve their work’s structure and quality. A brief session on ‘Providing and Receiving Valuable Feedback’ can set the right tone. This emphasizes the depth and specifics of feedback, discouraging generic comments.
The Power of Questioning:
Teaching students to ask pertinent questions during revision and editing can be a game-changer. It works two-fold:
- The reviser can ask specific questions to pinpoint areas needing attention.
- The original writer should have questions related to their content, ensuring they receive feedback that’s truly beneficial.
Implementing Feedback:
For feedback to be of value, it must be implemented. Teach students to strategize based on feedback. Using tools like sticky notes can help students note down points of revision instantly.
The Road Ahead in Revision & Editing:
Encouraging students to note revisions promptly ensures they don’t lose track of the feedback. Adopting this structured approach can significantly streamline the revision and editing process as the academic year unfolds. By the year’s midpoint, noticeable progress is often evident. Embrace these resources to better the revision and editing journey for both yourself and your students.
