A Study on the ‘Planning’ Stage in University Writing: Focus on Heuristics

Objectives The purpose of this study is to introduce examples of designing and operating the ‘planning’ stage of university writing based on ‘Heuristics’ and to explore its results and effects. Methods To this end, a study was conducted on writing courses conducted from the second semester of 2023 to the second semester of 2024 targeting freshmen at C University in D Metropolitan City. And in the writing course, it was introduced focusing on the ‘planning’ stage. We borrowed ‘Heuristics’, a method of ‘social process-writing’ created by McComiskey, and explained an educational model applying it. The results of students' activities in ‘Planning’ were analyzed. And it presupposes the learner's context-oriented learning based on ‘Heuristics’. Results The analysis results are as follows. First, by analyzing the topic from a social context level, they were able to clearly set the subject and purpose of their writing. Second, by understanding and analyzing the data from various angles, active and critical reading activities were possible. Third, it was possible to create a harmonious overview of the subject and content. Fourth, a solution for the community was produced through collaboration learning. Conclusions The ‘planning’ education based on ‘discovery learning’ supplemented the limitations of existing university writing. And the social value of the subject or material could be viewed critically. The value of this study is that learners can argue their perspectives based on this. In addition, cooperative learning showed the effect of interaction and discourse mediation.