In Academic Writing, Tr. Brandon’s most advanced middle school course, Tr. Brandon, a professional writer, writing center instructor, and writing teacher in Taipei since 2019, helps students build strong, independent writing skills for a world that is relying more and more on AI.
Throughout the semester, students and parents will receive video feedback from both Tr. Brandon and peer editors as Tr. Brandon guides them to approach their writing like true academics.
Topics taught in the course include the three elements of style; content analysis and logical fallacies; audience analysis and tone selection; eight types of refutation; the three persuasive appeals; elaboration and description; and the biggest grammar errors Tr. Brandon has found teaching in Taiwan.
During monthly “deep dives” into topics ranging from AI-safe careers to personal finance education, students practice analyzing evidence, writing persuasive arguments, and debating their peers with Tr. Brandon, an NSDA debate judge since 2019, as judge. Each semester, students will learn and practice 100 advanced vocabulary words, with a midterm and final exam to test their learning.
Why should we teach students to write when AI can “do it for them?”
Learning to write is learning how to THINK: how to organize your thoughts and ideas, so you can successfully navigate an increasingly complex world. When students outsource their thinking and writing to AI, they risk not developing critical thinking skills, which makes it easier to be influenced by others and harder to recognize important opportunities.
Learning to write is learning how to COMMUNICATE. You learn how to persuade, inform, analyze, and entertain; these abilities are foundational for success not only in academic settings but out in the “real world,” in social and professional situations. If you are not aware of the tools and techniques that others are using, you are at a distinct disadvantage.
And of course, writing is a means of SELF-EXPRESSION, to discover more about yourself, as you journey through life. This is a worthy goal in itself.
Tr. Brandon, who works as a playwright and editor for adult writers in Taipei, brings a real-world perspective to his teaching. In Academic Writing, students write by hand during class, learn how to turn a critical eye to their peers’ and their own work in a structured way, and build (or rebuild!) genuine writing ability from the ground up.
The goal is for students to write well and to think clearly so they can master this ever-changing world.
For writing samples, parent testimonials, and teaching and feedback videos, please see www.teacherbrandon.online.
Class Goals
• Build independent writing and thinking skills that don’t rely on AI, by practicing how to revise, self-edit, and critique both their own work and others’.
• Strengthen peer feedback and self-awareness by learning how to read critically and give useful, constructive feedback in a structured classroom setting.
• Practice communicating and thinking clearly and convincingly during several deep-dive debates throughout the semester.
• Master 100 advanced vocabulary words.
Class Details:
To sign up, please call ADL at 02 2876 1866 or speak with ADL staff
- Age Appropriateness: Middle School
- Class Duration & Frequency: 2 hours, once a week
- Class Times: :
Wednesday, 6:45-8:45 PM, Fushing
Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM, Tianmu
Saturday, 1:00-3:00 PM, Fushing
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