Session E: Scaffolding the Writing of Synthesis through Students’ Home Literacies
Level: Secondary
Content Area: English Language Arts
Presenters: Brooke Nicolls, Grant High School & Area 3 Writing Project & Betsy Gilliland, UC Davis School of Education & Area 3 Writing Project
This workshop scaffolds the process of writing a synthesis section in an academic research paper, integrating concepts from multiple sources into one essay. Students can apply these skills in their writing from middle school to college and beyond. We will begin by reviewing the history and theory behind the research paper literature review and then examining practical ways to scaffold synthesis writing in the classroom through texts familiar to students. Participants will complete a synthesis chart and discuss materials one high school teacher is using in her classroom with English learners and AP students alike.