skrivintensive

Skrivintensive is a term used in Swedish and Nordic educational contexts to describe courses or programs that emphasize writing as a central mode of learning. Derived from skriv (to write) and intensiv (intensive), it signals a design in which substantial, iterative writing tasks form a core component of the curriculum rather than merely supplementing lectures and exams.

Typical features include frequent, low-stakes writing assignments; multiple drafts with structured feedback; rubrics that emphasize argumentation, organization, style, and citation; and deliberate cross-disciplinary use of writing. Instruction often pairs writing tasks with targeted supports such as writing centers, peer review, and explicit instruction in disciplinary writing conventions. Assessment tends to emphasize growth over time rather than a single final product.

The approach offers several benefits, including improved writing proficiency, clearer reasoning, and better ability to communicate complex ideas to varied audiences. It can also foster metacognitive skills as students reflect on revision processes. Potential drawbacks include heavier workload, greater instructor time demands for feedback, and the risk that unequal access to writing supports creates inequities. Effective implementation relies on careful design and scalable feedback mechanisms to avoid mere checkbox compliance.

Implementation considerations include aligning writing tasks with learning outcomes, providing coherent scaffolding of drafts and feedback, and using explicit rubrics. Ensuring accessibility for diverse learners is also important. While the term is descriptive rather than a formal designation, institutions may label courses “skrivintensiv” or “writing-intensive” to signal a strong emphasis on writing throughout the learning experience.