R20: The Banned Word Controversy

This is the twentieth episode of twenty-four in the podcast series Reviewing Our Greatest Hits. This show was initially launched on December 29, 2015, as Episode 23. 

To ban or not to ban, this is the question. Conversations in the academic world have raised questions about the benefits of banning certain words from a student's writing, as IEW requires. Join Andrew and Julie as they unpack the idea of banning words and discuss its value as it helps establish a student's linguistic foundation.

Referenced Materials:

• "‘Use More Expressive Words!’ Teachers Bark, Beseech, Implore" by James R. Hagerty


• "'Teachers! Please Do Not Make Your Students Use Synonyms for Said,' I Blurted" by Gabriel Roth


• Maria Montessori


• A Word Write Now


• "Process versus Product"


• "Good Writing vs. Great Teaching"


• Penrod by Booth Tarkington

Remember to send your questions to [email protected], and perhaps yours will be answered the next time we Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).

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