I actually really enjoyed reading this chapter in the Lindeman. Maybe because it was short...
I think that as graduate students, our writing assignments are extremely removed from the types of assignments we received as undergraduates, or even high school students. I'm so used to just having to write on a text, without having been given instructions, that I think I have forgotten how much I used to hate not having a set prompt on essays as an undergraduate.
While I do think it is important to give young writers direction when developing writing assignments, I find it equally important to give students the opportunity to think outside a set prompt as well. I wonder if it would be beneficial to go over certain aspects of writing before giving any assignments. Shouldn't teachers explain concepts like writing for an audience and desired effects of a piece of writing before having students delve into an attempt.
I guess that within my own class, I would try to appease both sides of this. Having a set prompt for specific texts and units is a must. However, u would also like to give students the opportunity to come up with their own topic, if possible. That teaches them more than how to correctly address a prompt, it teaches them to critically think about another viewpoint that hasn't been discussed. I think this would be extremely beneficial for all students- especially those who don't necessarily speak out much in class. This gives them a chance to get their ideas out without fear of being judged by peers.
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