Writing and self-confidence

I read with great interest Alwasilah's article Writing needs more recognition published in The Jakarta Post on July 10, 1999. I could not agree more with your emphasis on the importance of feedback in improving the quality of students' writing, which is certainly one way to motivate students. Also, lecturers could support their students by publishing the results of their writing in a school journal or magazine, or even in the Post.

This would eventually boost their self-confidence as they would not only be writing for their lecturers and their friends, but also for a wider audience. Although teaching writing in all non-language departments would undoubtedly improve the academic environment, I believe this is not an urgent issue for these departments.

RIA JUBHARI

Ujungpandang,

South Sulawesi