 Genre Theory: Teaching, Writing, and
Being
Author(s): Deborah Dean
Contemporary genre theory is probably not what you learned in college. Its
dynamic focus on writing as a social activity in response to a particular
situation makes it a powerful tool for teaching practical skills and preparing
students to write beyond the classroom.
Although genre is often viewed as simply a method for labeling different
types of writing, Deborah Dean argues that exploring genre theory can help
teachers energize their classroom practices.
Genre Theory synthesizes theory and research about genres and provides
applications that help teachers artfully address the challenges of teaching high
school writing.
Knowledge of genre theory helps teachers:
- challenge assumptions that good writing is always the same
make important connections between reading and writing
eliminate the writing product/process dichotomy
outline ways to write appropriately for any situation
supply keys to understanding the unique requirements of testing
situations
offer a sound foundation for multimedia instruction
Because genre theory connects writing and life, Dean’s applications provide
detailed suggestions for class projects—such as examining want ads, reading
fairy tales, and critiquing introductions—that build on students’ lived
experience with genres. These wide-ranging activities can be modified for a
broad variety of grade levels and student interests.
Theory and Research Into Practice (TRIP) series. 119 pp. 2008. Grades 9–12.
ISBN 978-0-8141-1841-2.
No. 18412 $25.95 member/$34.95
nonmember
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