V.O.I.C.E.
A Mnemonic to Aid Assessment of Writing (Virtual Tour)
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 3: Literacy for GrowthAges:
9-12
Grade Range:
4th 5th 6thFood Groups:
Primary: Assessment, Writing Processes & Strategies
Transcript
I find the word V.O.I.C.E. very helpful when I'm marking papers. Why do I find it helpful? Because, for me, it's a mnemonic. I can remember things that I'm looking for in the students writing by remembering V-O-I-C-E. V is for voice, O is for organization, I is for ideas and content, C is for conventions, and E is for effective use of language. So when I collect papers from students, I take a file folder, put the papers in, so I don't lose them, and I write V.O.I.C.E. down the side. And I'll make comments just generally about what they're voice was like. And if they're writing a narrative, then I want them to have a different voice than if they're writing a procedure text form. Organization, was there something that students generally weren't doing very well in organizing, or something they were doing particularly well. Ideas and content, so, do they have facts and information that they've included. And conventions, if there's a common word that they're misspelling, if they're using run-on sentences, then I have a great opportunity to talk to the class about it. And effective use of language, because I'm looking for different kinds of language depending on the text form that we're using. It also helps me make sure that I remember what to say to the class, so that I don't forget. I've written things on each of the students' pages, and I've talked to them about it, but just a general overview for the class is really helpful, and it helps them remember important things about their writing.
Related References
Activity Objective
The goal of V.O.I.C.E.: A Mnemonic to Aid Assessment of Writing (Virtual Tour) is to use a structure for providing feedback to students.
Quick Tips
Additional Comments:
- V.O.I.C.E. stands for Voice, Organization, Ideas and Content, Conventions, and Effective Use of Language.
- Valuable feedback is provided to students on important aspects of their writing when feedback is structured using the mnemonic V, O, I, C, E.
- Students' writing improves when discussing common problems and sharing particularly good examples of student writing with the whole class.
Other Recipes by this Teacher
Dealing with First Day Jitters: Promoting Motivation for Literacy (Virtual Tour)
3rd - 6th
Literature Circles: Fostering Critical Thinking and Oral Communication (Virtual Tour)
4th - 6th
Author's Perspective: Comprehending Point of View (Virtual Tour)
5th - 6th
Taking on a New Voice: Developing a Purpose in Writing (Virtual Tour)
6th
New Words Game: Expanding Vocabulary (Virtual Tour)
3rd - 6th
