Exploring Writing Circles as Innovative, Collaborative Writing Structures With Teacher Candidates
Abstract
Writing circles are "small groups . . . meeting regularly to share drafts, choose common writing topics, practice positive response, and in general, help each other become better writers" (Vopat, 2009, p. 6). In this exploratory study, writing circles were employed with elementary teacher candidates in hopes of enhancing their perceptions about writing and authorship. This mixed methods pilot used a convenience sample of 28 teacher candidates in a language arts methods course. Based on interest and using writing workshop elements, weekly writing circles were formed and generated one collaborative manuscript. Afterward, 68% of candidates reported improvement in writing skills. Retrospective responses were analyzed and coded to reveal the following themes: ideas, relationships, choice, improvement, and feedback. Furthermore, 96% of candidates reported enthusiasm for using writing circles in their future classrooms.
Reference
Roberts, S. K., Blanch, N., & Gurjar, N. (2017). Exploring Writing Circles as Innovative, Collaborative Writing Structures With Teacher Candidates. Reading Horizons, 56(2), 1-21.
Journal
Reading Horizons
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
- Exploratory study
- mixed methods
Geographic Setting
- Southeastern United States
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
28
Other Participant Data
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- Collaborative manuscript
- fieldnotes
- Observations
- Retrospective post-then-pre design instrument
Data Analysis Tools
- Constant comparative analysis
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
"How do teacher candidates report their perceptions of writing circles and collaboration?" (p. 5)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"What shifts in attitudes about themselves as authors do teacher candidates report after participating in writing circles?" p. 5
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes