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[SPR24] EDUC7549 Teaching Argument & Procedure Writing (MacDonald)

Ended Feb 21, 2024

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Full course description

EDUC 7549 - Teaching Argument and Procedure Writing to K-8 Students

If you are a BC student taking this course for credit, you must register via Eagle Apps. The course number is EDUC7549.

(15 PDPs and 1 ALC credit)

Using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics, participants will learn what and how to teach arguments (exposition, scientific, discussion & response to literature) and procedures using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics.

In this project-based course, groups of participants will collaborate to develop a writing unit in a genre appropriate for their grade level, and participants will learn and practice features of the genres demanded in elementary and middle schools. This course places a focus on language development, and this unique approach will support teachers in how to guide students to writing that builds confidence and success.

Course Schedule, Time Commitment and Activities (January 9 - February 6, 2024)

  • Approximately 2 hours engaging in weekly modules that include lectures, interviews and looking at student work

  • Weekly 1 hour live sessions on Tuesdays (January 9, January 16, January 23, January 30, and February 6) from 4:30PM - 5:30PM (ET) 

  • Readings and assignments completed on a weekly basis

There will be a variety of activities to facilitate acquiring the content of the course such as short lectures, readings and discussions. In addition, teachers will share how they implemented the unit with videos applying the approach in their classrooms, work with mentor texts and student work and affinity groups collaborations toward creating genre units. During live sessions students will have the opportunity to share experiences, answer questions, and clarify challenges.

Registration and Payment

1. Please enroll via the "$400 Enroll" button (above) if:

  • You are paying for an individual enrollment via credit card 
  • You have paid for this course some other way and been given a promo code

Please note that in order to register you will be asked to create an account for Boston College with a username and password if you do not already have one.

2. Confirm and accept registration via email from notifications@instructure.com which you will receive once you've registered. Please note: this email will be send to the email address you used to create your account.

Purchase Order payments are possible.  Please contact the Professional & Continuing Education team at lynchschoolpce@bc.edu to arrange this payment method.

Fees and Policies:

Refunds will only be granted up until the start of the course. No refunds will be granted for registration or technical errors on the participant's part (such as incorrect name/email, login failure, etc.).

Additional offerings from the Lynch School Professional & Continuing Education Office can be found on our website. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you need to request an accommodation or ask a question about accessibility, please contact lynchschoolpce@bc.edu.

Course Facilitator

Elizabeth MacDonald began her educational career over twenty-five years ago in Boston Public Schools as an elementary teacher and reading specialist. Since then, she has taught, coached, and developed curriculum grades K-8 in and outside of the district. Liz also serves as an adjunct instructor in Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development. She has worked with Maria Estela Brisk on the study and implementation of the theory Systemic Functional Linguistics in the classroom. Additionally, as co-author of the first and second edition of The Mindful Teacher, Liz is committed to supporting and retaining urban educators.

Course Designer

Maria Estela Brisk is an Emeritus Professor of Education at the Teacher, Curriculum, and Society Department, Lynch School of Education, Boston College.  She received her Ph. D. in linguistics and bilingual education at the University of New Mexico in 1972. Her research and teacher-training interests include elementary students’ writing development, bilingual education, bilingual language and literacy acquisition, methods of teaching literacy, and preparation of mainstream teachers to work with bilingual learners. She is the author of numerous articles and books.

For the past 13 years, Dr. Brisk has worked closely with K-8 schools to develop a genre-based writing program for their schools, preparing teachers and researching children’s writing development. Her book Engaging Students in Academic Literacies: Genre-based Pedagogy for K-5 Classrooms features the approach to teaching writing that emerged from the work in schools. The approach has been helpful for all students including bilingual learners.

Professor Brisk, native of Argentina, is a fluent speaker of Spanish.