Podcast

In this episode, John Warner, an influential author and educator, joins us to discuss the changing landscape of writing instruction. Rather than relying on formulaic methods such as the five-paragraph essay, we talk about writing as a way to help students think and communicate in real ways. We also examine why it matters that students write for real audiences and real purposes, especially now that AI can produce text but cannot capture human thought or experience. We consider how writing supports students’ cognitive, emotional, and executive skills, and why it remains essential despite the push to use more technology in schools. John Warner has 20 years of college teaching experience across four different institutions, and is now a writer, editor, and frequent campus speaker focused on how to teach writing in a world with artificial intelligence.He's the author of eight books, most recently More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI. His previous books include Why They Can’t Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities (Johns Hopkins UP) and The Writer’s Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing (Penguin). John has been writing about higher education as a columnist at Inside Higher Ed since 2012, and writes weekly about books and reading culture at the Chicago Tribune and his associated newsletter, The Biblioracle Recommends. He is also an advisor to the social writing game Frankenstories.Go Deeper:“I Let My Students Watch Me Struggle With a Masterpiece. It Changed Everything.” by Matt Dinan“I’m Begging You: Never Write With A.I.” by Bret Stephens“If You’re Over 40, You’re Ready to Use A.I.” by Debbie Millman“What Do Students Lose When They Stop Writing?” by Dana Goldstein“We Could Teach Writing, But It Will Take Resources” by John WarnerThanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Send us Fan MailPlease subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.comEmail us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.