WRITING AS A PROCESS OF LEARNING : A STUDY OF TWO UNDERGRADUATE WRITERS

Abstract

This Academic Exercise examines the composing processes of two undergraduate writers to assess their ability to use writing as a heuristic tool, or a means to explore, clarify, and develop their knowledge about their subject-matter. This paper begins by explaining how the act of writing enables writers to explore and develop their knowledge, and hence promotes learning. Then it analyses the extent to which the two writers were able to explore and clarify their ideas in each draft, as well as across the subsequent drafts they wrote. The analysis points out how the ability of the two writers to exploit the heuristic potential of writing, while not non-existent, is, however, limited. Finally, this study concludes with a discussion of how their previous training in reading and writing in secondary school has led to their inability to fully exploit writing as a means of thinking through, working out, and crystallising ideas.