The ECCO Map
A revolutionary writing technique for guaranteed success
Why it works
The ECCO Backwards map creates a total inversion of the way students have approached writing for decades. This templated system provides a structure so that ideas flow more easily from student minds onto the paper in front of them. Unfortunately, the vast majority of students learn how to organize and write essays in a way that promotes blandness, obviousness, and, quite simply, outright failure. The ECCO Map balances creativity and originality with the discipline students require.
The ECCO Backwards Map serves as a guide to let students learn about the subject before they commit to a main idea or thesis. ECCO stands for Evidence—Connections—Claims—Organizing Principle. The process encourages the multiplicity of thought, research, ideas, factors, evidence, and components that support student claims. Following the map’s guidance provides students a navigational framework to examine possible writing directions before they write down a thesis.
How it differs
The ECCO Map system allows students to develop their ideas and write from a position of strength.
Students develop confidence over time with the continuity the ECCO Map provides. Since it works across all subjects, grades, and skill levels, entire schools increase writing proficiency as students become accustomed to the new method. They begin to teach each other in collaborative settings.
Teachers can involve the ECCO Maps as a modeled example, a whole-class practice, a partnered activity, or a summative assessment. The more students work with the format, the more successful their ideas, connections, and claims emerge. As they gain confidence with the format, the originality, depth, and proficiency of their writing continues to improve.
How students thrive
The ECCO Map simplifies and centers writing in a way that can change the culture of communication. With a guided system in place, teachers focus on how curriculum content can promote thoughtful, original writing.
The ECCO Map benefits:
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Education
Individual Classrooms
Entire Schools
Instructional Departments
Teachers and Administrators
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Business
Individuals/ Teams
Departments
Human Resources
External Communicators