Wikipedia:Give your students writing prompts—on Wikipedia

Wikipedia is better than standard homework

High school students will never stop using Wikipedia. They will not stop editing it either. Instead of banning or bashing it, perhaps Wikipedia should be applied in the classroom to improve student's research and writing skills. Writing one's first article requires attention paid to grammar, spelling, following directions, referencing, copyright, notability, and formatting; failure to meet any one of these parameters will result in an experienced editor "biting the newbie" and the mediocre article will be torn apart. Having worked so hard on the article to the point they become emotionally attached, the student will proofread, cite, double-check, seek peer-review from their teachers, and elaborate all before attempting the article again. This is exactly what is wanted in modern day classrooms; intense peer-review, in-line citations, dedication, knowledge of the topic at hand, and following directions (as defined by every minor Wikipedia policy and in the various "styleguides"). Wikipedia provides all of this for students, but why don't more teachers use this opportunity?

For advanced foreign language classes, translation-needed articles provide an excellent opportunity for gaining experience writing in that, language as well as providing students with a variety of engaging subjects in redlinks to choose from. Isn't it about time Wikipedia is recognized in the academic world as a source of educational opportunities waiting to be recognized, instead of seeing it as a useless open-source website on par with answers.com and that textbook still on the shelf that says Czechoslovakia is a country?

Assignment suggestions:

• For foreign language classes
• Importance of citing your sources
• Current events and History
• Teach students peer reveiw
• For History classes