Writing Help: Teaching Writing
Teaching Writing
Image Credit: Queen's University, CC BY-NC-ND
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Harvard Guides to Teaching WritingFrom the Harvard Writing Project, download these free guides to responding effectively to student writing and designing essay assignments.
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Classroom Writing InstructionAnswers to writing instructors' common questions.
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Evidence-Based Practices for Writing InstructionGary Troia from Michigan State.
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Handouts and Self-Guided TutorialsRMIT University has excellent self-guided tutorials for undergraduate and graduate student writers.
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Designing Assignments"Designing Assignments and Presenting them to Students," by Margaret Proctor at the University of Toronto.
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Low-Stakes Writing AssignmentsGet your students writing more often in your discipline. It improves depth of learning. Here are several examples of low-stakes writing assignments for students.
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Using Rubrics to Evaluate Written WorkThis guide from Carnegie Mellon University includes sample rubrics from a range of disciplines and writing genres.
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Managing the Marking LoadExcellent strategies for dealing with a large marking load.
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Structuring Peer Grading and Peer FeedbackPeer grading and peer feedback often fail, especially in larger classes, because they aren't set up properly. Check out this well-organized resource from Washington University in St. Louis.
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How and Why to Teach Students through WritingAn article by U Sask Writing Help Coordinator Liv Marken, and former GMCTE researcher Stan Yu.
Note to Instructors
To protect student confidentiality, and to encourage a positive and trusting relationship with students, the writing centre won't confirm whether specific students have used our services unless they give us permission.
For large classes, we do not have the tutoring hours to help every student within a short period of time. Instead of requiring students to use writing centre services, please persuade or encourage them to seek help if they need it. We are also happy to arrange for a workshop for your students, either in class or in the library. If possible, we can give your students access to a recording of the workshop, and any past workshops.
Classroom Visits
Image: WOCinTech CC-BY 2.0
If you are a professor or TA and would like a classroom visit from our staff, please email the SLS Writing Help Centre to make arrangements.
Visits are typically about ten minutes long and consist of the writing centre coordinator or tutor explaining the Writing Help services on campus and answering questions from students. Custom workshops can also be arranged.
Writing Across the Curriculum
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 teddy-rised
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Teaching ExchangeYour first stop when preparing to teach a writing-intensive course.
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Faculty Tip SheetsA collection of excellent, research based advice on teaching writing. Examples: "Using Writing in Large Classes," "Tips on Grading: Using Rubrics," "Managing the Paper Load," and "Peer Review."
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Teaching TipsIncludes lists of tips on managing the marking load and motivating students.