It’s SOC Sunday again! What follows is five minutes of unedited, uninterrupted writing, hosted by all.things.fadra. If you want more info on the details of SOC Sundays, or want to take part yourself, hit the button at the end of the post:
So I just read an interesting post about the usefulness of academic papers in today’s society. I am a firm believer that the structure of learning in the classroom must adapt to our new way of living – we need to start embracing online components into regular classroom traditions, and in some cases, embrace a completely online experience.
However, I don’t think I would agree that academic papers and academic writing is outdated and has lost its usefulness in the classroom/ academic arena. I firmly believe that writing academic papers and the process of researching helps us develop our brain, not just on an intellectual level, but on a physical one too. Frankly, it keeps us sharp. The process of researching and articulating ideas has honed not only my critical thinking abilities, but personal aspects as well (which I have discussed before in greater depth.)
And I believe that writing academic papers is the area that I excel in. (I CERTAINLY don’t do fiction or poetry or creative writing…trust me.) To me, the academic paper is a really difficult game – it is a labyrinth of ideas that you must navigate. It is a challenge, to find that one idea that shines – that no one else has articulated – and to translate that into a concise and interesting way. It is like being an adventurer, and exploring never before navigated lands. So of course I am going to defend the research paper 
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Tags: Academic Paper, Classroom, Link Up, Online Learning, Research, SOC Sunday
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I have to admit, my academic writing experience is very limited. Writing, for me, has always been from more of the creative, story telling side, so I’m afraid I can’t offer much in the way of opinion on the topic.
I do agree, though, with what you said about learning in the classroom. Everything these days seems to circle back to computers. When my daughter was in school, even the idea of bringing a laptop to class was the center of debate.
Great post! Wish I could offer a more informed response.
I LOVE this! I am an elementary school teacher and writing is one of my greatest passions. In our county, we have students begin writing papers in first grade. By third, they are able to write three paragraph papers in a variety of genres; one being informational. Writing is alive and well here!
So I haven’t read that article about academic papers, but I certainly will. I am a self proclaimed nerd. I love school, love researching topics that interest me and love writing papers. Is it tedious and do I hate it in the moment? Sometimes. But that finished product always gives me a gigantic sense of accomplishment. No matter how much technology may be taking over our world and our classrooms, having writing skills will never, ever be outdated in my opinion!
Crystal – even though I fail atcreative writing, I believe it also keeps the brain sharp. Finding g that exact combination of words to evoke emotion is not easy stuff!
Melissa- you are spot on about how difficult the process is. When I am the middle of a paper it is all consuming and so UNFUN. But the moment it comes together? Everything clicks and the accomplishment is wonderful. Makes it all worth it.
Lady- how wonderful that writing holds such an important part of the culture! What country do you teach in?
This is what I commented on the original article:
“As someone who worked my ass off during college and graduate school, I vehemently oppose this view. All forms of writing — old and new — are important, for sure. Students who are intelligent and driven enough should be able to write and format their research in a formal academic way — “dumbing” it down so that all students can succeed seems a bit silly to me.
Phasing out the academic paper — THAT would give students the wrong idea of the real world!”
I realize now that I was being a bit dramatic, but I stand by my basic argument. Any student who wants a chance at success in the future — especially when it comes to pursuing any kind of advanced degree — would be seriously disadvantaged if their teachers just stopped assigning research papers.
Great post! SOC Sundays seems like such an interesting idea.
Nick – it’s good to be dramatic. It gives life flair!
But I agree, I think that determining we no longer need academic and research papers because we have online writing is dangerous. It feels like a case of not learning the basics of swimming before jumping into the public pool. Not only do you put yourelf at risk, but you undermine the overall safety quotient of the pool. (Terrible analogy, I know, but it is all that comes to mind right now)
Tanya: Thanks so much for linking to my post! I’m glad it gave you some things to think about.