Writing: Reluctant Writers

Paul Gardner

Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia

A reluctant writer is one who experiences one or more barriers to the writing process on a regular basis. Barriers may be exhibited during the process of writing as well as, or instead of, the start of the process. In addition, a reluctant writer may be defined as one whose writing is habitually superficial, either because ideas are not expanded or because the writing is executed in haste. Before identifying a pupil as a reluctant writer careful observation is required to differentiate between characteristics of reluctance and compositional styles. Being slow to start a piece of writing, or pausing for long periods during writing, may be indicative of a writer’s style of composition rather than a reluctance to write. Observation of both the writer and an assessment of samples of writing in more than one context are required before a writer can be defined as reluctant.

This is a carefully carried out study with a well documented methodology. The findings have been further tested- see the case study column above.

The contextual factors identified by the author may limit transference but the Editors see no reason that this approach would not normally transfer to other settings. Clearly children have to be taught to mind map but this is a skill of benefit to all class members.

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