What writing programs produce the best results?

A Quantitative Synthesis of Research on Writing Approaches in Grades 2 to 12.  This paper looks at randomized or well-matched control group research on outcomes of writing programs. The average effect size for those writing programs reviewed was a small effect size of 0.18. The writing programs fell into three categories; those that focus on the writing process, cooperative learning, or interactions between reading and writing.  

The core characteristics of programs that produced the best writing outcomes include: 

•  Use of cooperative learning 

•  Structured approaches that give students step-by-step guides to writing 

•  Programs that teach students to assess their own and peer writing, 

•  Programs that balance writing with reading 

•  Programs that attempt to build students’ motivation to write and enjoy self-expression 

•  Programs that teach writing conventions (e.g., grammar, punctuation, usage) explicitly, but in the context of creative writing 

• Programs that provide extensive professional development to teachers, in which teachers experience the writing strategies they will employ

Citation: Slavin, R. E., Lake, C., Inns, A., Baye, A., Dachet, D., & Haslam, J. (2019). A Quantitative Synthesis of Research on Writing Approaches in Grades 2 to 12. Best Evidence Encyclopedia.

Link: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED597167