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Why Use Writing Workshops and How to Use Them Well.
Resources for Teaching Writing
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Drew Seminar Writing Resources
Resources for Writing Intensive Courses
Why Use Writing Workshops and How to Use Them Well
Types of Workshops – Structures that Work
Workshops That Work – Write-to-Learn
Workshops That Work – Drafts & Revision
Write-to-Learn Assignments
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Why Use Writing Workshops and How to Use Them Well
Why Use Writing Workshops and How to Use Them Well
Why Workshop Drafts?
1) Workshops reinforces key concepts of academic writing:
drafts are a work in process
writing must make sense for an audience beyond the professor
revision is not “fixing” but seeing afresh and rethinking from that perspective
2) Workshopping helps students see each other as resources
writers gain valuable feedback
giving feedback helps them learn how to talk about papers
reading other papers helps them see their own writing in a new way
3) Workshops make professors more effective writing teachers
reduces the amount of time that needs to be spent commenting on each draft
allows professors to focus on specific issues and problem areas (such as introductions)
provides extra feedback and generally produces stronger paper
Best Practices for Success
Provide structure:
Tell the class what you are going to do, then do it, then comment on it
Teach first:
begin by introducing the topic for review, reference TS/IS or the Owl if relevant
Model the process:
review a few examples together and talk through what to look for
Direct the feedback:
provide a feedback sheet or set of very focused questions
Step out of the way:
the workshops need to be a space for student voices, resist the urge to join each group and take over