Writing is hard. Teaching writing is even harder. For some, it comes naturally. For others, it is quite a struggle.
My favorite writing strategy is using a joint construct to help students understand what I am expecting in their writing.
What is a joint construct?
Let’s start from the beginning. A joint construct is when a teacher and the students work together to write a text. It is a “joint” effort. The teacher leads the activity while students help give input, identify text evidence and help “construct” or write the story/article/essay.
Why is a joint construct helpful?
A joint construct allows the teacher to help students focus on specific skills and strategies needed to be successful in the writing genre. It gives students an opportunity to take risks in a low-stake situation. It also allows teachers to have final say in the construction so they are handing the students a model that they can then refer to. Teachers can highlight important conventions or writing skills that they want all students to emulate in their writing. Joint constructs allow teachers to scaffold the writing process for students in a manageable way. Students can then use the joint construct as a model. Joint constructs allow me to show students high expectations so they are ready for the assignment.
When should I do a joint construct?
I tend to do a joint construct right before an assignment, project or assessment. I will pick a similar topic to what the students will be writing about and then we will construct a model together. For example, in December my students had to write about an invention. They were given the choice between elevators, refrigerators and antibiotics. We did a joint construct together prior to this on the airplane. As I walking around while students were working, most had our joint construct up on a different tab. I saw them referencing it and referring to it when they were confused. I found that the students who used our joint construct to help them with their own invention did exponentially better.
How do I keep students engaged?
As we work on our joint construct, I always post a blank graphic organizer and ask students to type along with me. Depending on time constraints, I tell students if they can’t keep up it is okay or I give an option to just watch with me. I always post the finished product on Google Classroom as well.
What is the effect of a joint construct?
When I complete joint constructs with my classes, I find that my students are more confident, better prepared and have a stronger understanding of the writing genre we are working on.
Do you use joint constructs in your classroom? Do you find them helpful?
