philosophies of teaching and composition

The philosophy of teaching and composition affect everything that happens in the classroom. The philosophy is the lense through which the teacher plans everything, sees everything. If the teacher believes strongly that writing is a process, the classroom activities and writing assignments reflect that. An in class activity might be to freewrite. An assignment may be made of up multiple parts: a predraft, a first draft, a second draft, a final draft. Class time might be spent on developing ideas and exploring the thought process behind editing and drafting. Grammar exercises would probably be worked in as problems in student writing arises. The emphasis of the class would be focused around the philosphy that writing is a process. And, only good writing can be arrived at after the process is completed. If a class's or teacher's emphasis were on grammar and writing "correctly", class time and asssignments would be geared towards the mechanics of writing. When does one use the five paragraph essay? How does one expand upon it, etc. Grammar exercises might be mandatory in this classroom. Grammar mistakes might carry a heavier grading weight.
I have a creative writing background. Because of this, I approach rhetorical writing in much the same way as creative writing, but I emphasize the differences between the two. I use exercises in class similar to those found in a creative writing classroom to help students open up and find confidence and voice in their writing. I also emphasize the process. I try to keep my classroom as open and supportive as possible. I encourage students to start writing from wherever they are in the maturation process. I want students to become better writers, beginning at whatever starting place they come from. I encourage an atmosphere of equality and supportiveness and try to maintain that atmosphere in conferences, class presentations, commenting on turned in assignments, etc.
It is important to me that students find their own way. I try to direct that as much as possible.