{ Reader-Based vs. Writer- Based Prose & Educational Psychology Theory Annamarie Carlson
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Reader-Based vs. Writer-Based Prose& Educational Psychology Theory
Annamarie Carlson
When people write writer-based prose, the forgotten reader is left to sift through the dense text to hopefully discover the author’s meaning. By considering this stage in the writing process as a naturally born talent, or even something to be achieved through years of practice, potential writers often become frustrated and do not bother to work toward a more focused, reader-based prose.
Problem
Is reader-based prose a talent a person is born with or is it a natural stage in the writing developmental process?
If it is part of the developmental process, what does that mean for how we teach writing?
Questions
Stage Theory
Egocentric Speech Perception of Space Study Collective Monologues
As children grow older, egocentric speech disappears
Piaget
Agrees with Piaget’s stage theory
Agrees with egocentric speech theory
Egocentric speech is used to solve problems
Egocentric speech does not go away, but rather becomes our “inner dialogue”
VygotskySaying that egocentric speech dies “is like saying that a child stops counting when he ceases to use
his fingers and starts adding in his head.”
Fails to connect to the reader
Author failed to transform private thoughts into public expression
Reflects the writing process
“Write what you mean” “write what you think”
Writer-Based Prose
Creates a shared language and context between the writer and reader
Reflects the purpose of writing
Reader-Based Prose
Writer-based Prose = Piaget’s Egocentric Speech
However, Piaget says that egocentric speech disappears at age 7, while writer-based prose exists far into adulthood.
Writer-Based Prose = Proof of Vygotsky’s theory
“Writing what you think”
Connection & Solution
When we think of writer-based prose as a continuation of the human psychological development process, the writing style turns into another stage in the writing process—not a born talent. It makes professional, clear writing achievable.
Makes differences between rough drafts and final drafts clear
Classroom Consequences
Focus of mutual interest to reader and writer
Write logically Answer “why?” and “so what?” Turn facts into concepts Use headings and topic
sentences Break down code words
Reader-Based Paper Tips
Just as children developed the ability to consider someone else’s point of view, we can develop, through practice and effort, the ability to write with someone else’s point of view in mind.
Conclusions