Commentary That Worksfor the Learning Business Writer

Abstract

"Commentary That Works for the Learning Business Writer" applies findings of recent composition research concerning instructor response to student writing to the specific context of learning business and professional communicators. It points out the errors and counterproductice outcomes of ineffective instructor/supervisor response, suggests functional alternatives, and illustrates by means of a novice writer's order/inquiry letter how those alternatives may result in an improved written product. Those alternatives involve feedback which includes the following basic elements: (1)commentary whose primary purpose is facilitative rather than evaluative; (2) the opportunity for multiple drafting, at least for beginning writers, of almost every writing project, (3) text-specific diagnostic advice which does not short-circuit the problem-solving process by offering deadening generalizations or substituting an "expert solution" for the novice's opportunity to learn, and (4) careful emphasis upon the differing priorities of revision and editing.