Paragraph Format: Is there a wrong way to write paragraphs?

A couple of weeks ago, I learned about a writing format known as the “Schaffer paragraph” started by Jane Schaffer.  This particular format is taught in schools to help students with formulating a paragraph.  The Schaffer paragraph includes the topic sentence, 1 concrete detail (also known as a fact), 2 commentaries (analyses on the fact) and a conclusion.  Though this format is meant to help students design paragraphs, it limits critical thought and context.  I talked to a student who learned this format, and she informed me that she was taught to write her essays using this paragraph format.  What resulted from using this format is that it didn’t focus on the context of the essay, but rather the individual paragraphs; that is, the essays produced did not have a connected focus. 

This format is only taught in some middle schools and high schools afterwards, in college, it is an undesirable format.  However, from what I have learned, this particular format can sometimes be deeply embedded in the student’s learning that they have trouble letting go of it.  This becomes problematic when a student, who has only learned this format, goes to college and discovers that the way they write is not acceptable in higher education.

I was appalled when I heard about this kind of formatting and the fact that it is still taught.  I feel very lucky for not having been exposed to this kind of technique, yet I worry about students that are taught to write in this manner.  The Schaffer paragraph is also easy for teachers to teach and to grade.  The format is designed in such a way that it makes the grading process simple and from what it seems, linear.  This kind of attitude towards teaching and grading contributes to the lack of critical thought and the coherent flow and focus needed in papers. 

Because I am just learning about this format now, I still have much to learn about the Schaffer paragraph and how it is applied in the classroom.  Has anyone ever learned this format or know anyone that has?  If so, is it helpful?  Does this particular formatting device seem linear, in that it steers away from the context and focus of the entire paper?