PeerCentered

We'd like to share this handout by our Director Dr. Kathryn Evans. Dani Graduate Assistant BSC Writing Studio Strategies for Writing Studio Consultants By Kathryn Evans, Bridegwater State College Many consultants find that the following six strategies—when done before, during, and after the “meat” of the discussion—can help students learn significantly more. BEFORE 1. Start with self-assessment. Ask writers to · use the professor’s evaluation criteria to self-assess their work · tell you what specifically they would like feedback on Beginning the session like this helps you target your feedback to the writer’s needs. 2. Identify and prioritize patterns. When you read the writer’s work, look for (and encourage writers to look for) patterns of issues instead of individual issues. After you’ve identified several patterns, prioritize: Which patterns are more serious? Do some patterns undermine the writer’s credibility more than others? render an argument l...

The Bridgewater State College Writing Studio provided a unique forum for clients this past semester. Professor Lee Torda and Writing Studio Director Kathy Evans created the concept of Writer’s Café. The Writer’s Café was successfully presented in the Spring Semester of 2005. The event provided a supportive atmosphere for Writing Studio clients who were interested in sharing their writing with an audience. The Writing Studio consultants encouraged students to submit their work in a drop-box at the Studio. Consultants took turns reviewing the submitted pieces and chose several of them for presentation at the Writer’s Café. Students were welcome to submit either works of fiction, poetry or essays. The Writer’s Café was a great success, and many clients read their pieces to a receptive and eager audience. We provided food and beverages to help create a more relaxed and comfortable environment. The positive atmosphere of the Writer’s Café prompted enthusiastic feedback from both facu...

Thanks again to the folks from Western Washington for guest-blogging last week. If you are interested in guest-blogging on PeerCentered, contact me at Clint.Gardner@slcc.edu.