Creative Writing through Literature-Online Writing Courses

Uses appropriately complex texts for high school level, drawing from classic and acclaimed literature. The curriculum analyzes sophisticated narrative techniques in works by established authors.

Based on complex works like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hobbit, and C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia; teaches advanced techniques beyond typical high school level

Strong direct instruction model with teacher-led video lectures that explicitly teach writing techniques using literary examples. Instruction is systematic and builds from lesson to lesson.

30-minute video lectures where Rogers explicitly teaches techniques using examples from literature, followed by targeted assignments; described as taking students to higher level through direct teaching

Excellent structured writing instruction with systematic teaching of advanced creative writing techniques. Each lesson includes explicit instruction followed by targeted writing assignments that build specific skills.

Each lesson has two steps: video lecture teaching specific techniques, followed by writing assignments; teaches complex skills like dramatic irony, revealing gestures, and narrative layers

Minimal teacher training materials since courses are designed for direct student use. The video format provides instruction directly to students rather than supporting teacher-led instruction.

Online courses designed for students to access directly through video lectures; no mention of teacher guides or professional development materials

The curriculum builds literary knowledge through deep analysis of classic works but focuses more on writing craft than systematic domain knowledge. It develops understanding of literary techniques and narrative structure rather than broad cultural knowledge.

Courses analyze works like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and To Kill a Mockingbird to teach writing techniques, with discussions of character development and plot elements

The curriculum primarily uses excerpts and passages from literature, though it references complete works. While students can complete courses without reading full books, supplemental exercises often require reading portions or entire works.

Rogers states that students don't need to read the books since he presents pertinent passages, but supplemental exercises often require reading part or all of the book

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review. The curriculum appears to focus on forward progression through new techniques rather than reviewing previously learned skills.

No mention of review activities, quizzes, or spaced practice in the course description

Not applicable for this high school-level creative writing curriculum. The curriculum assumes students already have foundational reading skills.

Designed for grades 9-12 and assumes students already know paragraph structure and basic narrative writing

Limited evidence of explicit vocabulary instruction. The curriculum appears to focus primarily on writing techniques rather than systematic vocabulary development.

No specific mention of vocabulary instruction in the review, with focus on advanced writing techniques like dramatic irony and narrative layers