SAGE Handbook of Writing Development
by Jeni Riley (9781412948463)

For many years literacy education has been dominated by an emphasis on reading. Finally, with this volume, the balance has been redressed and writing is back on the agenda. The scope of the book is unprecedented, dealing with writing development from the early years through to secondary and beyond. The interdisciplinary nature of the contributions is refreshing, with complementary insights from linguistic, psychological and socio-cultural perspectives. The first chapter provides a fascinating account of the history of writing and the final chapter points towards future developments. The intervening chapters, written by key experts in the field, present a wealth of thought-provoking material. Alongside advances in our understanding of the 'basics' of handwriting, punctuation, vocabulary, morphology, syntax and the alphabetic code we find chapters on issues of power relations and ideology, on multi-literacies and new technologies. Aspects of the writing process and related pedagogy are usefully revisited, causing us to re-think established practices. Most importantly, the authors tackle the critical question of what constitutes growth in writing, what such growth actually looks like, and how it might be assessed. In all, this volume represents the most comprehensive and authoritative overview to date of current research, theory and practice - as well as challenges - in the area of writing development' - Beverly Derewianka, Director, Centre for Research in Language and Literacy, University of Wollongong, Australia. Writing development is currently the focus of substantial international debate because it is the aspect of literacy education that has been least responsive to central government and state reforms. Teaching approaches in writing have been slower to change than those in teaching reading and pupil attainment in writing has increased at a much more modest rate than pupil attainment in reading. This handbook critically examines research and theoretical issues that impact on writing development from the early years through to adulthood. It provides those researching or teaching literacy with one of the most academically authoritative and comprehensive works in the field. With expert contributors from across the world, the book represents a detailed and valuable overview of a complex area of study.

USD $194.14

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