Teaching versus writing
One of my colleagues is named Judith. Although she's at least ten years older than I am, she hasn't been teaching for as long. She often approaches me for tips on teaching, or just asks me what I've been doing with my classes lately.
So today I told her about the unit my students are doing now, on style and audience. We're talking about how to suit your style and purpose to a given audience. They have to write two drafts of a paper to two different audiences.
I did a similar assignment in college, except that I had to address a concept to three different audiences (a six-year-old, a group of high-school sophomores, and a high-school principal). I still have the paper, and I assigned my students to read it today. I showed Judith a copy.
She had never seen my writing before, and she was amazed. "Tom, why are you doing this?" I was puzzled. Doing what? What should I be doing? She answered before I asked: "You should be a writer."
That struck me as interesting. Why shouldn't a competent writer teach writing? Are writing teachers supposed to be people who understand the theory of writing, but can't apply it? I'd hope not.
Actually, I think more professional writers should take some time to teach a writing class. It's good for the students, and it's good for the writers. Even talented writers can get into the habit of using the same techniques over and over. Teaching a class can get them to review their techniques and decide what might need changing. I know it's been good for my career that I've done both.
So today I told her about the unit my students are doing now, on style and audience. We're talking about how to suit your style and purpose to a given audience. They have to write two drafts of a paper to two different audiences.
I did a similar assignment in college, except that I had to address a concept to three different audiences (a six-year-old, a group of high-school sophomores, and a high-school principal). I still have the paper, and I assigned my students to read it today. I showed Judith a copy.
She had never seen my writing before, and she was amazed. "Tom, why are you doing this?" I was puzzled. Doing what? What should I be doing? She answered before I asked: "You should be a writer."
That struck me as interesting. Why shouldn't a competent writer teach writing? Are writing teachers supposed to be people who understand the theory of writing, but can't apply it? I'd hope not.
Actually, I think more professional writers should take some time to teach a writing class. It's good for the students, and it's good for the writers. Even talented writers can get into the habit of using the same techniques over and over. Teaching a class can get them to review their techniques and decide what might need changing. I know it's been good for my career that I've done both.