Affirmations: How to Inspire Students to Revise

A product of creative thinking, inspiration is a sudden moment of clarity. Many students lack clarity when asked to write in school–particularly those whose color, gender and economic class place them on the outside looking into the classroom. Language differences are primary concerns, and I don’t mean just English as a Second Language. Those who grow up female, poor, or nonwhite may find their ways with words at odds with expectations on how to write in school. They need affirmations to inspire them to sweat over a draft, not to mention face the fear of writing in school. Think about it. If you were a student who struggled to write, regardless of the reason, all through school, what would help you to write and want to do it? Positive feedback is my guess.University Writing Cente