Integrated Writing Approach
If you’re looking for a humorous and enlightening conversation, ask some professors about the writing assignments they receive from students in their courses. The reactions will amaze you. When I asked a professor whom I’ve had for two courses, “What are the problems with student writing that most bother you personally?” he sighed deeply, threw up his hands, and exclaimed, “Everything!” He, then, began to explain the problems in students’ writing concerning content, organization, and mechanics that he faces in all of his courses. You may be thinking, “Well, if he teaches freshmen, then, that’s understandable,” but this professor does not only teach freshmen; he teaches upperclassmen as well. Why is student writing so horrendous across the board at the University level? What is the Writing Lab’s role when helping students, from freshmen to graduate level, with academic writing? How can the implementation of good writing practices be integ...