Writing with Students - (Bloomsbury Studies in Systemic Functional Linguistics) by Lucy Macnaught (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Informed by systemic functional linguistics, this book examines the practice of joint construction, where teachers guide students to co-construct a text, and draws attention to the contested rationale for teachers taking a leading role in co-creating texts with students. It includes a range of examples of classroom interaction involving international students who are studying English for Academic Purposes, and specifically as preparation for university entrance"--

Book Synopsis

Beginning with a review of the theory and pedagogic practices that have been influential in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) contexts, this book examines the practice of joint constructionin a genre-based approach to literacy pedagogy. It investigates how teachers guide students to co-construct a text, drawing attention to the contested rationale for teachers taking a leading rolewhen writing collaboratively with their students.


Informed by systemic functional linguistics, the book puts forward an accessible approach to the analysis of classroom discourse that centres on the dynamic mediation of meaning. Through examples of classroom interaction involving international students who are studying EAP, and specifically as preparation for university entrance, it illuminates how classroom metalanguage and the organisation of classroom talk enables teachers to guide but not provide wording; metalanguage also enables students to critique and justify their choices as they 'try out' new academic language, modify and improve their writing.

Review Quotes

Lucy Macnaught expertly expands the knowledge base of systemic functional linguistics (SFL) and associated pedagogical practices such as the teaching and learning cycle (TLC) by analyzing the process of joint construction at the college level. Her book is carefully researched and provides compelling evidence for the power of teachers making disciplinary literacy practices highly visible and open to critical reflection. -Meg Gebhard, Professor, University of Massachusetts, USA

About the Author

Lucy Macnaught is Senior Lecturer in the role of Learning Advisor at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.