Effective strategies for teaching academic writing and literary reading

Perceptions and challenges of STEM students in Chinese higher education

Authors

  • Karen Cheung Ching Ching Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Peijie Mao ShanghaiTech University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/vp7zzd62

Keywords:

STEM education, critical thinking , interdisciplinary teaching , higher education , writing to learn

Abstract

Drawing on the experiences and practices of teaching "Literature and Writing" courses at ShanghaiTech University,  this paper explores effective ways to integrate academic writing and literary reading in college literature classes to develop students ' high cognitive abilities through a writing-to-learn approach.  The study examines STEM students 'perceptions of this approach to teaching academic writing and literary reading.  Data was collected through a survey instrument and analyzed using descriptive statistics.  The results reveal the reading and writing habits of college students in STEM majors and their perspectives on one-on-one writing conferences. This paper discusses common writing challenges faced by college students and proposes possible solutions for teachers to help students cultivate academic writing and critical thinking skills through a blend of WTL and interdisciplinary teaching approach. 

Author Biographies

  • Karen Cheung Ching Ching, Hong Kong Baptist University

    KAREN CHEUNG CHING CHING (corresponding author), EdD, is an Assistant Lecturer at the School of Continuing Education at Hong Kong Baptist University. Her research interests include Chinese language education, Teaching Chinese as a second language

  • Peijie Mao, ShanghaiTech University

    PEIJIE MAO is an Associate Professor of Chinese at ShanghaiTech University. Her research interests include modern Chinese fiction, popular culture, and media studies. Email: maopeijie@hotmail.com

Additional Files

Published

2025-02-17

How to Cite

Cheung Ching Ching, K., & Mao, P. . (2025). Effective strategies for teaching academic writing and literary reading: Perceptions and challenges of STEM students in Chinese higher education. American Journal of STEM Education, 6, 11-31. https://doi.org/10.32674/vp7zzd62