In the United States today, fewer and fewer people are learning to write by hand. In fact, according to the 2017 census, fewer people than ever before are learning to write by hand. Instead, people are learning to write on their phones or in some cases, online. This shift has certainly had an effect on teaching creative writing (writing for literature or art) at the post-secondary level.
However, nothing stops a teacher from creating a literary tradition by encouraging their students to write creatively. At John Porter School (JPS), we recognize that writing is an integral part of a student’s creative and personal growth. Because of this, we have made it our mission to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop their writing skills and contribute to the JPS literary tradition.
Why Should Students Get Creative Writing Taught At Post-Secondary Level?
Creative writing can be a difficult skill to learn. It requires discipline, commitment, and most importantly, confidence. Students who learn to write creatively develop these qualities and create an environment where their creativity can flourish.
In today’s world, having a passion for writing can serve as a major key to getting ahead. In the 21st century workforce, 70% of jobs will require some sort of writing ability. With so much competition, it’s essential that students develop these skills now, before they enter the job market.
The Need For Flexibility
Unfortunately, today’s education system doesn’t always prepare students for the real world. While learning to write is essential, it can be difficult to find the time to fit this in when you also have a full-time job and a family. This is why it’s important for students to be able to take a flexible approach to their studies.
Through learning creative writing, students will develop the necessary skills to effectively write a business plan, letter, or story. Furthermore, they will learn how to build an argument using appropriate literary devices and how to engage the reader through effective vocabulary, structure, and syntax. In essence, students will learn to think like a writer.
As a result of this flexibility, creative writing can help students easily transition to a higher education or a career in a creative field, like journalism or fiction. Moreover, students can continue to develop their creative writing skills even after completing their studies, since freelance writing and the self-publishing industry have become viable options for post-secondary students.
For these reasons, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn how to write creatively. Fortunately, we have a diverse population at JPS, which allows us to provide our students with multiple opportunities to pursue their creative writing dreams.
Teaching Tips
Since creativity is subjective, it can be difficult to accurately teach it. Moreover, students must have the confidence to express themselves freely without fear of judgment from their peers or teachers. Creative writing is not meant to be easy, but a personal challenge that requires passion and a diligent effort. With that in mind, here are a few tips for those who wish to teach creative writing at post-secondary level or who are interested in taking on this endeavor themselves.
- Find your passion. What excites you about writing? What is your inspiration for writing? Do you enjoy playing with words and creating witty stories? Or do you prefer to focus on a specific niche, like science-fiction or action-adventure? Knowing your passion will help you connect with your students and engage them in your creative writing course.
- Know your material. In the same way that you should learn grammar and spelling as an elementary school student, you should understand the basic structure and language of the writing you will be teaching. Familiarize yourself with widely published work in your chosen genre (i.e., journalism, fiction, or creative non-fiction). Moreover, be sure to learn common errors made by non-native speakers of English, as well as the most effective ways of fixing them. This will help you communicate effectively with your students and ensure that they have the best possible learning experience.
- Use real-life examples. When teaching creative writing, it is important to relate the material to something the students can relate to. An easy way to do this is through the use of authentic examples. If you are required to use fictitious names or settings in your work, you should still provide authentic examples of what those names or settings are. This will help your students visualize and understand the material better.
- Take regular breaks. Just like the human body needs regular meals and sleep, the brain needs regular breaks to function optimally. Similarly, the same goes for creativity. Learning to write creatively is tough enough without having your mind wander all the time. Take regular breaks from your writing to prevent this from happening and to ensure that your efforts are not undermined by constant fatigue.
- Reward yourself. Just like with most other endeavors in life, self-discipline and hard work are key to creativity. To help your students develop these qualities, you should periodically reward yourself for your efforts. Moreover, if you are dedicated to your work and show consistent effort throughout the year, you will likely see significant improvements in your students’ writing, regardless of their previous experience. Creating a small reward, like a sandwich or cup of coffee, will help your students believe in your ability to improve their writing skills. The same idea applies to students who are just getting started in creative writing. They must believe that they can improve and that your classes will help them do so.
How Can JPS Help?
At JPS, we strive to give our students the best possible learning experience. One way we do this is through encouraging them to join clubs and societies, as these provide an opportunity to learn through collaboration and problem-solving. In addition, we make use of technology in class and in the classroom, ensuring that our students are always learning and improving.
Moreover, as a teacher of creative writing, you can rest assured that you are providing our students with the necessary skills to effectively enter tomorrow’s world. In the same way that creative writing is used as a tool to analyze texts and arguments, students will learn to use their writing skills to communicate their thoughts and opinions to others. With so much emphasis on using language effectively and appropriately, we are confident that our students will leave JPS with the skills to effectively participate in today’s evolving society.
If you are interested in helping to create a literary tradition at your school or learning to write creatively, consider taking up the challenge at JPS. We are confident that you will enjoy your time spent teaching creative writing, and our students will enjoy the benefits of your efforts.