Abstract:
The written response to novels in twelve year 9 classes in three countries was surveyed during the teaching of a class novel. This ethnographic study included observation, interviews, questionnaires, teacher diaries, and pupil writing including notes, tests, essays etc. Most writing was responding to comprehension tests and assignments. Interpretive essays were required in some classes, but little creative or critical writing.
The best writing was "re-creative". The novel was frequently disliked and unfinished. Differences between individual teachers in teaching methods, writing tasks and quality of pupil writing, were greater than differences between schools or countries.
The best writing was "re-creative". The novel was frequently disliked and unfinished. Differences between individual teachers in teaching methods, writing tasks and quality of pupil writing, were greater than differences between schools or countries.