Constructed Responses for Learning

Warren Combs is founder of Writing to Win of Athens, Georgia, a professional development firm committed to the use of peak-performance strategies in the teaching of writing. He is also author of the bestselling Writer’s Workshop for the Common Core.

• ContentsMeet the AuthorAcknowledgementsIntroductionSection 1 ̶ The Rush to Constructed Responses1Constructed Responses for Assessment and Learning2The Five Key Practices of Constructed Responses for Learning3An Interactive Log of Constructed Responses Section 2 ̶ Critical-Thinking Strategies that Fine-Tune Constructed Responses for Emerging and Independent Writers4Something on the Page that Helps You Remember What You Were Thinking5Free Writing Rigorous Thought6Recalling Knowledge as Chunks in Writing7Sharpening Understanding of Closely Related Words8Arriving in a World of Analogies9From General to Specific10Analyzing for Meaning11Prepping for ArgumentsSection 3 - An Ultimate Learning Routine12Putting it All Together13. Launching a Parting Shot

"In Constructed Responses for Learning, Dr. Combs reveals the power of writing as the ultimate learning tool. His vast knowledge of working with teachers on how to successfully engage students in a writing routine is evident in this work. Teachers and their students will greatly benefit from using the cogent techniques and guidelines presented in this book." --Deborah Paine, Professor of Education, Valdosta State University, Georgia"Combs has provided teachers with an exceptional methodology for students to analyze, explain, and respond to their learning. Having used many of these strategies, I can verify that his journaling techniques allow students of varying abilities to exemplify deeper knowledge and attain confidence in their speaking and writing skills. Students self-assess their work using a simplified symbol system that provides immediate feedback for both the student and teacher." --Donna Knight, 5th Grade Teacher, Woodstation Elementary School, Rock Spring, Georgia"The journal strategies in this book not only promote deep thinking and analysis skills, but also allow students to meet the Common Core State Standards in an insightful way. The teacher can easily implement the strategies in any subject area." --Staci Haag, Language Arts Instructor, Dakota Valley High School, North Sioux City, South Dakota“Constructed Responses for Learning provides a consistent approach to teaching students how to compose short written responses, which are supported by key content vocabulary, participation in student-centered academic conversations, and self-assessment. Teachers and students can use the constructed responses to determine student mastery of standards, leading to data-driven decisions during instructional planning. These strategies will raise the expectations and rigor for student thinking in any classroom in which they are implemented.” --Shannah Mabry, Instructional Support Specialist, Greenville, Georgia