Pedagogical conceptions about teaching academic writing in postgraduate studies: a literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/mw2025410

Keywords:

academic writing, graduate education, critical pedagogy, epistemic justice, academic literacy

Abstract

Introduction
Postgraduate academic writing instruction remains a field of pedagogical tension, especially between normative approaches and critical, inclusive models. This integrative review aimed to analyze current pedagogical conceptions and teaching strategies for academic writing in postgraduate education, with emphasis on critical and sociocultural approaches.
Methods
An integrative literature review was conducted following a systematic protocol. Academic databases were searched using keywords in English and Spanish. A total of 812 records were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2025 were selected for in-depth analysis.
Results
Findings revealed two dominant pedagogical conceptions: traditional models focused on textual correction and standardized formats, and critical approaches that view writing as a situated, dialogic, and epistemically just practice. In addition, technical and sociocultural teaching approaches were identified, often coexisting in postgraduate programs. Persistent tensions were found between formal normativity and creative, critical expression, especially in contexts with high epistemic diversity.
Conclusions
The review confirmed the need to shift from prescriptive teaching models to more reflective and inclusive practices that support students' epistemic agency. It emphasized the importance of institutional support, teacher training in critical pedagogies, and evaluation systems that recognize process-oriented and context-sensitive academic writing.

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Published

2025-10-09

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1.
Bracho-Fuenmayor PL, Boscán Carroz MC, Caballero de Lamarque CP, Quintero Ramírez JM. Pedagogical conceptions about teaching academic writing in postgraduate studies: a literature review. Seminars in Medical Writing and Education [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 9 [cited 2025 Oct. 20];4:410. Available from: https://mw.ageditor.ar/index.php/mw/article/view/410