Teaching Writing Through Teacher-Student Writing Conferences

Teacher-Student Writing Conferences are “private conversations between teacher and student about the student's writing or writing processes” (Sperling, 1991, p. 132). Murray (1985) called these conversations “professional discussion between writers” on students’ writings (p. 140). This literature review paper investigates the related studies about a) the effects of writing conferences on student's writing achievement, learning, independence and authority; b) effective and ineffective writing conferences; c) interaction during writing conferences; and d) effects of writing conferences on students’ self-efficacy. Based on reviewed studies’ findings, recommendations and suggestions while conducting teacher-student writing conferences will be provided.