Focused freewriting, broadly defined as writing without stopping and editing
about a specific topic, has been viewed and used as a powerful tool for
developing student writing in a wide spectrum of educational contexts. This
study aimed to further explore the use of focused freewriting in the context
of promoting students’ academic skills development, particularly in the area
of academic writing. The study was conducted in an intensive writing
course provided for students from diverse disciplines during which focused
freewriting was employed throughout the entire program to help students
develop understanding of academic writing and effective writing strategies.
The analysis of student freewriting and student feedback to the course
reveals several emerging themes, which highlight the beneficial effects of
using focused freewriting as a pedagogical tool in the intensive writing
course. The study provides suggestions for utilising focused freewriting as
an empowering learning tool beyond the writing class to enhance student
learning in the disciplines.
