Research indicates that the Self-Regulation Strategy Development (SRSD) model is more effective at improving writing performance than are all other instructional approaches. The POW+TREE strategy, a SRSD writing strategy, can help students produce better persuasive essays.  You can complete the IRIS Center module, Improving Writing Performance: A Strategy for Writing Persuasive Essays.  It highlights the differences between students who write well and those who struggle. Elements of the writing process are discussed, as are the prerequisite skills students need to write good papers. The module outlines and describes the process for teaching students the POW+TREE strategy (est. completion time: 2 hours).