In-Depth Case Study

Below is a list of recommended questions for the Writing Interview.  You may omit any of these that are not appropriate for your learner and substitute other questions that are more appropriate.  Learner responses may prompt some very good questions that are not listed here.  Mark through the ones you don't ask and write in both the question and the learner response for the new questions you include.  The goal here is to learn unique perceptions and attitudes that the learner may have toward writing and to get an idea of past experiences with writing.  

Section III.  Writing Interview

(adapted by Goodman & Burke, 1987)

Who is a good writer you know?

What makes this person a good writer?

What does this person know that other writers don't?

Do you suppose this person ever comes to something he/she doesn't know how to write?

Let's suppose this person comes to something that he/she can't decide how to write, what do you think he/she does?

Why do good writers like this person write things?

How did you learn to write?

Do you think you're a good writer?

Do you like to write?  

Why or why not?  

What kind of help would you like with your writing?

If you knew people who were having trouble writing, what kind of help would you like to give them?

What kind of help would a teacher usually give them?

What kind of help would you like to have to become a better reader?

What would YOU like to do better as a writer?

When you come to something you don't know how to say in your writing, what do you do?

What kinds of things do you like people to read out loud to you?

What kinds of things do you usually like to write best, just for yourself or your friends and family?

Can you tell me some things or times you write?

What do you generally not like to write at school?

When do you just write just for yourself or friends? (what occasions)

Do you think being a good writer means spelling all the words correctly?

Do you think it's important to get your meaning across to others in writing?

Do you reread what you write?

Task 5 is adapted from and credited to:  
Mark W.F. Condon, Ph.D.
Department of Teaching and Learning
College of Education and Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville KY 40292
http://www.louisville.edu/edu/edem/Faculty/condon.htm

02/28/08 10:33:41 PM