Open/Closed Form Prose Writing Collaboration

Purpose: To help students understand the difference between open and closed form prose, show them an example of the non-linear writing process, encourage problem solving through large-group collaboration.

Materials:

·         Computer Lab

·         Google Docs

1. Ask students to read the textbook segment (or a teacher prepared handout) on open and closed form prose.
2. Before class begins, prepare two Google Docs, one for the open form group and one for the closed form group. Write the “prompt” for each group on the document.
3.   Divide the class into two groups—an open form and a closed form group.
4. Give the students a familiar and “fun” topic like lunch selections at the cafeteria or parking on campus.
5.   Ask each group to work together to create a paragraph about the topic assigned in either open or closed form prose. Each student must contribute to the paragraph, but students don't have to write in a linear way. For instance, the second person to edit the document might choose to revise the first sentence rather than add a second sentence. Together, the large groups must determine how they will complete the task using the Google Doc in the time allotted.
6.   Post the finished products on BB.

Differentiation: You can use this method when teaching any type of writing. For instance, you might use it to show the difference between the genre you just finished working in and the genre you will be beginning.