Pre/Views: “Learning to Praise,” Revisited: Why Faculty Should Nominate Students for the WIC Culture of Writing Awards

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By Vicki Tolar Burton, WIC Directorvicki_crop

Faculty who have taken the WIC Seminar may remember Donald A. Daiker’s powerful article, “Learning to Praise” (1989). Examining studies of comments written on
student writing, Daiker notes, for example, that in a set of freshman essays, of 864 comments, only 51 were comments of praise. In another study, 89.4% of comments cited errors or criticized the writing, while only 10.6% of comments offered affirmation or praise. Daiker says, “Perhaps we need to go back to school ourselves to learn how to recognize what merits praise in student writing.”

Every OSU department or unit with an undergraduate major has the annual opportunity to praise and celebrate strong student writing by awarding the WIC Culture of Writing Award in their discipline to their top undergraduate writer. This recognition is very significant to our students. They are not used to being praised for their writing, much less winning and award. Despite the impact on students, typically, only about fifteen to eighteen departments/units, of a possible 70+ majors, nominate an undergrad for this award. This is not an extensive competition: if the unit nominates the student, the student wins the award. This is an easy, inexpensive (unit contributes $50, WIC matches) way to send the message to our undergraduates that the faculty and the university value excellent writing.

In addition to honoring a student writer, the selection process within the unit gives faculty an opportunity to identify the qualities of good writing in their particular discipline, information that should be communicated to students in every course.

Please consider nominating one of your upper division student writers for the WIC Culture of Writing Award in your discipline—and persuading your unit to participate in the awards. Let’s practice praising excellence in undergraduate writing. Information on the nomination process appears elsewhere in this issue.

In praise of praise, Daiker quotes novelist Raymond Carver who remembers his own teacher John Gardner’s generous (though exacting) comments:  “He was always looking to find something to praise. When there was a sentence, a line of dialogue, or a narrative passage that he liked, something that he thought ‘worked’ and moved the story along in some pleasant or unexpected way, he’d write ‘Nice’ in the margin or else ‘Good!’ And seeing these comments, my heart would lift. (quoted in Daiker 111)

Let’s lift the hearts of OSU writers across the curriculum with Culture of Writing awards and well deserved praise.

Daiker, Donald S. “Learning to Praise.” Writing and Response: Theory, Practice, and Research. Chris Anson, Ed. Urbana, IL: NCTE, 1989.

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53 thoughts on “Pre/Views: “Learning to Praise,” Revisited: Why Faculty Should Nominate Students for the WIC Culture of Writing Awards”

  1. It is important to give students both positive and negative feedback on their writing. However, geometry dash meltdown is important to focus on the positive as much as possible.

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  6. I believe the emphasis on praising student writing, as highlighted in the WIC Culture of Writing Award, is a powerful and Pokerogue often overlooked practice that can greatly encourage students, motivating them to continue improving and feeling valued for their efforts.

  7. The emphasis on praising student writing through initiatives like the WIC Culture of Writing Award is crucial in fostering a positive learning environment.

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  32. This push for more recognition in student writing is spot on. It’s not just about critiquing; we gotta show students what they’re doing right too. Check out this cool tool for height comparisons—might spark some ideas for visual feedback! Height Comparison

  36. This is an easy, inexpensive way to send the message to our undergraduates that the faculty and the university value excellent writing.

  37. Vicki Tolar Burton’s message on the importance of praising student writing resonates deeply. It’s disheartening to see a lack of recognition for writing excellence. Let’s uplift our students by acknowledging their hard work and talent. Let’s create a culture of writing appreciation and celebration at OSU.

  38. Vicki Tolar Burton’s message resonates deeply with me. It is crucial to recognize and praise excellent writing, especially among undergraduate students. We must shift our focus from criticism to affirmation in order to inspire and motivate our young writers. Let’s celebrate and uplift our student writers through the WIC Culture of Writing Award.

  40. This is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of recognizing student achievements in writing. Celebrating excellence can truly uplift spirits and foster a positive environment. I hope all departments consider nominating their talented writers for the WIC Culture of Writing Award. Let’s make praise a priority! wan 2.2 ai

  41. This call for recognizing and praising student writing is truly inspiring. It highlights the importance of encouragement in education. Celebrating excellence not only uplifts students but also fosters a culture of appreciation that can transform their confidence and creativity. Let’s embrace this opportunity!

  42. This reflection on the power of praise in writing is truly inspiring. Acknowledging students’ achievements not only boosts their confidence but also fosters a culture of excellence. Let’s commit to celebrating the talent within our community and uplift our writers through recognition and affirmation.

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  45. It’s pretty wild that Donald A. Daiker found only 51 praise comments out of 864 in freshman essays; and with just 15-18 departments nominating for the WIC awards out of 70+, it makes me wonder if we’re all too busy to look for the good, sometimes even a simple bear clicker game can offer more immediate positive feedback than academia, don’t you think?

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