'The errors were the results of errors':Promoting Good Writing by Bad Example

摘要

We learn best by example—this adage is probablyas old as teaching itself. In my own classroom, Ihave found that very often the students learn bestfrom the "negative" examples. Perhaps, this shouldn't comeas a surprise at all. After all, we don't react strongly to thenorm—but an obvious deviation from the norm may attractour attention and make for a great teachable moment. And, ifthe deviation happens to be either scary or funny, the addedemotional impact can create a truly powerful and lastingmemory in the minds of the students.