This whole sad exchange is far too reminiscent of discussions I've had with particular students. As a middle school special education teacher I think I see the evolution of this mindset amongst certain kids who argue with any attempt to work with them to edit and improve their writing (not all of these kids are special ed, btw).
Most of my work is remedial, with some talented but reluctant writers, and then there are the kids who are just plain off the wall (usually with ADHD or mild emotional disturbances, sometimes other issues). Part of what I do is to meet in conference with the kids while we discuss how they can improve a specific assignment, either one I've given or one they are working on for another class. My goal is to get them to write something understandable while preserving their unique voices.
Many kids cooperate. But there are those who respond like this guy, and think their words are golden. Etc. They usually aren't bad writers; they just generally have issues with organizing their thoughts, too much exposition or too little exposition. They resist suggestions or encouragement to follow a line of thought further.
It's not unlikely that they continue to think they're superb writers because there is a kernel of quality there. But they resist the assistance to improve, and rather than focus on improving themselves, they lash out at others.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2011-07-22 12:09 am (UTC)Most of my work is remedial, with some talented but reluctant writers, and then there are the kids who are just plain off the wall (usually with ADHD or mild emotional disturbances, sometimes other issues). Part of what I do is to meet in conference with the kids while we discuss how they can improve a specific assignment, either one I've given or one they are working on for another class. My goal is to get them to write something understandable while preserving their unique voices.
Many kids cooperate. But there are those who respond like this guy, and think their words are golden. Etc. They usually aren't bad writers; they just generally have issues with organizing their thoughts, too much exposition or too little exposition. They resist suggestions or encouragement to follow a line of thought further.
It's not unlikely that they continue to think they're superb writers because there is a kernel of quality there. But they resist the assistance to improve, and rather than focus on improving themselves, they lash out at others.
So sorry you've gotten this from one of that ilk.