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Reader-Based vs. Writer-Based Prose& Educational Psychology Theory

Annamarie Carlson

When people write writer-based prose, the forgotten reader is left to sift through the dense text to hopefully discover the author’s meaning. By considering this stage in the writing process as a naturally born talent, or even something to be achieved through years of practice, potential writers often become frustrated and do not bother to work toward a more focused, reader-based prose.

Problem

Is reader-based prose a talent a person is born with or is it a natural stage in the writing developmental process?

If it is part of the developmental process, what does that mean for how we teach writing?

Questions

Stage Theory

Egocentric Speech Perception of Space Study Collective Monologues

As children grow older, egocentric speech disappears

Piaget

Agrees with Piaget’s stage theory

Agrees with egocentric speech theory

Egocentric speech is used to solve problems

Egocentric speech does not go away, but rather becomes our “inner dialogue”

VygotskySaying that egocentric speech dies “is like saying that a child stops counting when he ceases to use

his fingers and starts adding in his head.”

Fails to connect to the reader

Author failed to transform private thoughts into public expression

Reflects the writing process

“Write what you mean” “write what you think”

Writer-Based Prose

Creates a shared language and context between the writer and reader

Reflects the purpose of writing

Reader-Based Prose

Writer-based Prose = Piaget’s Egocentric Speech

However, Piaget says that egocentric speech disappears at age 7, while writer-based prose exists far into adulthood.

Writer-Based Prose = Proof of Vygotsky’s theory

“Writing what you think”

Connection & Solution

When we think of writer-based prose as a continuation of the human psychological development process, the writing style turns into another stage in the writing process—not a born talent. It makes professional, clear writing achievable.

Makes differences between rough drafts and final drafts clear

Classroom Consequences

Focus of mutual interest to reader and writer

Write logically Answer “why?” and “so what?” Turn facts into concepts Use headings and topic

sentences Break down code words

Reader-Based Paper Tips

Just as children developed the ability to consider someone else’s point of view, we can develop, through practice and effort, the ability to write with someone else’s point of view in mind.

Conclusions