Writing Survey Data Analysis (from 11.15.11)

Student Survey - Writing

General Info:
19 Surveys Completed
10 girls, 9 boys


Part 1 of Survey:

I am a good writer:
Strongly Agree - 3
Agree - 8
Neither Agree or Disagree - 8
Disagree - 0
Strongly Disagree - 0

I enjoy writing:
Strongly Agree - 7
Agree - 5
Neither Agree or Disagree - 4
Disagree - 1
Strongly Disagree - 2

I only write if it is for a class assignment:
Strongly Agree - 2
Agree - 3
Neither Agree or Disagree - 3
Disagree - 7
Strongly Disagree - 4

It is easy for me to write for a long time:
Strongly Agree - 3
Agree - 5
Neither Agree or Disagree - 4
Disagree - 6
Strongly Disagree - 0

It is easy for me to brainstorm ideas for stories or other genres:
Strongly Agree - 7
Agree - 2
Neither Agree or Disagree - 4
Disagree - 4
Strongly Disagree - 0

I enjoy sharing my writing with other people.
Strongly Agree - 6
Agree - 3
Neither Agree or Disagree - 4
Disagree - 6
Strongly Disagree - 0

It is important for me to have choice when it comes to what I write:
Strongly Agree - 8
Agree - 4
Neither Agree or Disagree - 4
Disagree - 2
Strongly Disagree - 1

My Analysis:
There seems to be an affinity to the idea of writing, where students have developed a self-concept of themselves as writers who are creative and enjoy it. However, when structure is imposed in some way, be it with a genre or a topic there seems to be the opinion that the activity is less desirable. The idea of structure also plays in when it comes to concentrated length of time.

I wonder if their idea of being a good writer could develop to something beyond the actual act of writing and also include some of the things we have begun to implement into class, such as being a strong reviser, providing good feedback to someone else's writing and being willing to share one's writing.


Part 2 of Survey (open-ended questions):
I will highlight the statements made by students that caught my attention, both in displaying what they have learned to accept as truth and what they are feeling that extends beyond classroom instruction.

To be a good writer means...
- to write long
- being willing to create draft after draft
- to be able to write freely
- write without any mistakes
- to take an idea, wrap it around your finger, and write until your hands fall off which is impossible, so that means you just keep writing

I enjoy writing because...
- I can speak my mind and not offend people or get into trouble
- I have neat handwriting
- it helps me release my feelings
- it gives people a chance to look inside me

I do not enjoy writing because...
- you have to write a lot
- when it is for a grade, the reader isn't reading it to really understand what I am trying to say

I feel comfortable sharing my writing with...
Friends (6)
Family (5)
Current English Teacher (5)
Myself (4)
No One (3)

My Analysis:
There is definitely a mixture of students who understand the depth of value that writing possesses or can possess and students who still view writing as work. But how can I move this mindset especially since that is true, writing is work to them? What would it look like if I didn't grade my student's writing and just game them credit for completion...but then how do I develop their writing skills with regards to focus, elaboration, conventions, and other writing skills...