Guided writing

Guided writing involves a teacher working with a group of learners on a writing task. The aims of the task are based on what they have previously been learning about the writing process. Guided writing aims to support learners in this psychologically and cognitively difficult activity.

Example
The learners have been looking at how conjunctions are used to contrast and compare ideas. They are now writing a short discursive essay on the subject of animal experimentation. The teacher is working with the groups to guide them in the correct use of the target language.

In the classroom
Guided writing can be fully exploited by providing learners with the language they need to complete the task together with the teacher. For example, this may include making suggestions (‘Why don't we start by saying...?'), agreeing and disagreeing (‘That's a good idea - let's put that'), and asking for help (‘Is it right to say...?').