Identity Narrative Assignment: How Writing About Students’ Identities Shapes Their Writerly Voice

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Contents

Introduction

Literature Review: Voice, Identity, and Assignment Design

How I Proceed with the Assignment

My Observation & The Success Story

Concluding Thoughts

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Works Cited

About the Author

How I Proceed with the Assignment

I introduce the assignment on the very first day of the course. I begin by introducing myself and sharing aspects of my background, intentionally highlighting key elements of my identity that have shaped my writerly voice. After an informal introductory session with the class, I organize a reading session and group work to engage with the assigned texts (as outlined in the assignment sheet). Next, I display the assignment sheet on the screen and guide the students through it. Following this, I lead a brainstorming session, encouraging them to think about their responses. My students then jot down key points they wish to explore in their writing. I reassure them that their thoughts and voices are safe with me.

After building the bridge of trust and comfort with my students, I use a few prompts (see Appendix 2) to guide my students to think about their identities and backgrounds. After the students submit their “Identity Narrative” assignment, I conduct a mini-interview session with them to hear their speaking voice. Though I maintain a conversational tone throughout the talk, I prepare the questions I want to ask them beforehand (see Appendix 3).