Form vs content

“The Focus on form vs. content in teaching writing” by George Hillocks, Jr. This article discusses the obsession with formatting and how teachers of writing depend on teaching the “forms and devices of writing” while not focusing on the content (240). The reason for this is the assumption that once students know different forms of writing, they can then just add content. However, what is problematic is that knowing the format of a writing structure does not equate to knowing the subject matter, which makes a coherent essay. Hillocks explains that there are three reasons why teachers teach form: effective writing requires just a few rules, there is pressure on teachers to help students perform on tests, and methods that are being influenced by state writing exams. Hillocks expands on this by asserting that state mandated testing influence teachers to teach form because even though support is valued, it does not require that the support is high quality or detailed. In order to change the emphasis on form, teachers need to  be taught to focus on the same writing quality that colleges expect, teachers need to change their own teaching, and the state tests need to include information so that students can use actual data and textual support instead of simply stating general ideas.

I can use this article for my paper because it connects to timed writing. In doing a 45 minute timed write, students sacrifice content for style, making sure they have the 5 paragraphs. If we are to teach students to move beyond the 5 paragraph essay, I don't know if making students write under such a short time limit will allow them the creativity and time to do so.