*Writing Processes

Even for gifted students, the writing process resulting in an effective composition is a complex one, often overlooked in gifted education. The process begins rith expressive writing, wherein the writer explores ideas and tries to find a focus. Subsets in the writing process include inventing, gathering outside materials, drafting, and revising and editing. Assigning student journals not only gets students started on an expressive writing project, it can achieve a number of other educational objectives: (1) starting classroom discussions, (2) focusing attention on salient points, (3) summarizing germane materials, (4) reorienting classes, (5) evoking responses to films and readings, (6) generating paper topics, (7) creating a personal dialogue with students, (8) encouraging students to air frustrations, and (9) helping students relax and enjoy writing. In addition to all the creativ