Write to learn

Writing is not just an important means of communication, it is also a powerful tool for deep learning. Writing gives students the opportunity to construct meaning out of the dizzying array of content they encounter in typical science courses. Expository writing promotes content mastery, argumentation promotes science reasoning, and expressive writing facilitates metacognition and improves self-efficacy. But how is the harried instructor supposed to teach writing on top of everything else? Put away your (virtual) red pens! I'll present evidence-based practices that are no more time-consuming for instructors than grading typical homework, but that produce significant learning outcomes for students.