The SAGE Handbook of Writing Development
- Roger Beard - University of London, UK
- Debra Myhill - University of Exeter, UK
- Jeni Riley - Institute of Education, University of London, UK
- Martin Nystrand - University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
Writing development is currently the focus of substantial international debate because it is the aspect of literacy education that has been least responsive to central government and state reforms. Teaching approaches in writing have been slower to change than those in teaching reading and pupil attainment in writing has increased at a much more modest rate than pupil attainment in reading.
This Handbook critically examines research and theoretical issues that impact writing development from the early years through to adulthood. It provides those researching or teaching literacy with one of the most academically authoritative and comprehensive works in the field. With expert contributors from across the world, the book represents a detailed and valuable overview of a complex area of study.
'[This book] is a fascinating and varied collection of papers....and would be of interest to anyone who has any involvement with language and how written communication has developed, and how it is influenced by and has an influence on, other factors' - ESCalate
'This book is a great meeting point…between writing researchers of different disciplines and perspectives, between practitioners and researchers, between different stages of writing development, between fluency and difficulties and between history and future. Its broad range of overviews of different topics related to writing development illuminated from different perspectives makes it a fantastic tool for writing researchers, teachers and policy makers alike' - Åsa Wengelin, Lund University, Sweden
'The scope of the book is unprecedented, dealing with writing development from the early years through to secondary and beyond…written by key experts in the field…a wealth of thought-provoking material…In all, this volume represents the most comprehensive and authoritative overview to date of current research, theory and practice - as well as challenges - in the area of writing development' - Beverly Derewianka, Director, Centre for Research in Language and Literacy, University of Wollongong, Australia