I think it also depends on your view of what essays are for. In terms of
essays set as homework during a course I consider them to be a chance for a
student to broaden their knowledge through research and therefore I expect
them to be long and comprehensive, not just testing understanding. Essays
done under timed conditions are exam practice and fulfil a different
purpose.
Roger Loxley
----- Original Message -----
From: "Simon Foley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: word-processing
> I am going to take the opposite approach here and suggest that some
> timed essays towards the end of the course at not sufficient ot allow
> students to hand write an essay in their final exam to the best of their
> ability.
>
> The skill of planning, writing concisely and quickly, without the time
> to re-draft can not really be developed over such a short period.
>
> Of course, students should have word-processing skills and the eight
> commentaries (read essays) they have to produce as part of their IB
> coursework are all word-processed, but if I give students an essay that
> comes from a past exam paper, I stipulate that they must hand write it.
>
>
> What they lose in re-drafts they gain in exam practise and presentation.
> My hand writing sucks and it is getting no better as I now, I type most
> things. If I had to write an essay in one hour, it would be very tough
> indeed.
>
> Maybe the assessment method is outdated and students should word process
> their final exams - I'd love to see Edexcel co-ordinating that one!
>
> Simon Foley
> Bangkok Patana School
>
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