Using Outline Tools for

Better Writing and Better

Learning

Paul A. Kirschner (OUNL)

Hein Broekkamp (UU)

Premise

In the area of e-learning there is too much emphasis on the development and implementation of new technologies.

A better approach would be to first look at how we can better use the technologies that we already have.

Innovating by standing still

• Push for new → Neglect what we have

• Insufficient use of what we have → Waste

• Standing still ≠ Decline

Problem 1

• Writing is complex (more than top left to bottom right)

• Writing is difficult

• Writing requires cognitive and metacognitive skills

Problem 2

• Writing is crucial in education and society

• Written documents are increasingly used for learning and assessment (essays, practical assignments)

• Correction (incl. formative feedback) is time consuming for teacher

• Poor writing is even more time consuming

Problem 3

• Students develop writing skills in limited ways

• Writing skills should be taught, but how?

Hypotheses

• Outlining helps students to write better

• An outline tool facilitates this

• Students can profit from outline tools

• Students (and teachers) need to learn how to profit from outline tools

What is an Outline?

Where to find outlines?

…and for MS 2003-users

Why an Outline (tool)?

• Available in every word processor

• Underused / Never used

• Potentially powerful– for writing– for learning

Research Questions

• (How) do students engage in outlining?

• What is the effect of outlining?

• Why do students (not) engage in outlining?

• How can teachers instruct/encourage students to use and profit from outlining?

Four Studies

• Instruction increasingly complex

• Size and number of writing tasks increases

• Focus broadens: direct and indirect effects for teachers and learners

Expected Results

• Specific guidelines for implementing outline tools in secondary education

• General guidelines for using similar tools in secondary education

• Better writers

• More efficient learning and teaching

More Information / Participate?

Paul A. Kirschner Hein Broekkamp

OUNL UUpaul.kirschner@ou.nl h.broekkamp@uu.nl

045 5221467 030 2534649