Journal of Writing Research Jul 2011 OA PDF

From Novice to Expert: Language and Memory Processes in the Development of Writing Skill

D. McCutchen

Abstract

This article outlines a theory of the development of writing expertise illustrated by a review of relevant research. An argument is made for two necessary (although not sufficient) components in the development of writing expertise: fluent language generation processes and extensive knowledge relevant to writing. Fluent language processes enable the developing writer (especially the young developing writer) to begin to manage the constraints imposed by working memory, whereas extensive knowledge allows the writer to move beyond the constraints of short-term working memory and take advantage of long-term memory resources by relying instead on long-term working memory.

Journal
Journal of Writing Research
Published
2011-07-01
DOI
10.17239/jowr-2011.03.01.3
CompPile
Open Access
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Citation context

Cited by in this index (7)

  1. Song et al. (2026)
    Exploring the Relationship Between Plan Features and Argument Essay Performance
    Written Communication
  2. Reyes et al. (2024)
    Effects of a genre and topic knowledge activation device on a standardized writ…
    Assessing Writing
  3. Corrigan et al. (2021)
    Articulating a Sociocognitive Construct of Writing Expertise for the Digital Age
    Journal of Writing Analytics
  4. Roderick (2019)
    Self-Regulation and Rhetorical Problem Solving: How Graduate Students Adapt to …
    Written Communication
  5. Wilson et al. (2017)
    Automated formative writing assessment using a levels of language framework
    Assessing Writing
Show all 7 →
  1. Long (2016)
    Visualizing Words and Knowledge: Arts of Memory for the Digital Age
    Computers and Composition
  2. Wilson et al. (2016)
    Comparing the accuracy of different scoring methods for identifying sixth grade…
    Assessing Writing

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