Valentino, Marilyn. “Rethinking the Fourth C: Call to Action. ” College Composition and Communication 62.2 (2010): 364-378. ProQuest. Web. 27 Mar. 2011.
In this article, Valentino focuses on the importance of “communication” and integrating communication theories and practice into composition courses because communication is such an important part of effective writing. Valentino asks how we can best build relationships and connect with students in a way that will encourage them to invest more fully in writing. In addition to discussing how to best communicate with our students, she also encourages composition faculty to work on communication with administrators and policymakers to create the best environments for teaching writing. She discusses how to communicate more effectively with under-prepared writers and students who face many hardships outside of the classroom by employing more informal talk with students when appropriate to help encourage them and show them positive attention to help keep them on track. She also emphasizes the need for awareness and sensitivity in communication with students who are disabled or veterans. Valentino argues that some of the best ways to learn and promote effective communication with our students is to attend disciplinary conventions and conferences, keep up with current scholarship, participate in workshops, analyze our own methods of communication, and share best practices with other colleagues.
Ongoing education is so important. I went to an early childhood education conference the weekend before last. I taught a workshop there, and I went to other workshops. I attended a leadership meeting and saw colleagues I hadn’t seen in years! It was so energizing!