It is important that teachers help students to realize that writing is not simply a product, or a means to an end, but an exploratory, cyclical process. Research has shown that skilled writers conceptualize the effect of their writing as a whole, as a generative process, whereas unskilled writers are distracted by surface-level features and are less aware of the exploratory nature of writing. In light of these findings, methods are proposed for teachers to involve students in the composing process and thereby better prepare them to become independent writers. Some of these activities include: allowing students to be creative and purposeful in their writing; initiating free-writing activities that develop skills for exploring and discovering fresh ideas; and observing students' writing processes closely and noting areas of difficulty. (TR)