Write Now
A Writing Themed QEP topic
supported by the Writing Center
Why a writing QEP?
“Technological advances, changing
workplace demands, and cultural shifts
make writing more important than ever,
especially because the way we
write often predicts academic and/or job
success, creates opportunities for
civic participation, maintains relationships,
and enhances critical thinking” (Writing
Now, NCTE Policy Brief, 2008).
Why is a writing QEP right for Motlow?
In a recent focus group survey, Motlow
students agreed that writing was “very”
or “extremely” important to their
success in college. However, some
students surveyed felt underprepared
for the types of writing they would be
asked to do beyond their Composition
I and II classes.
What other schools have already
done similar QEPs?
Aquinas College: Write REASON
Elizabeth City State University: Writing New Paths to Discovery
University of Mississippi: Improving Student Writing
Shaw University: Adventures in Writing: I came, I WROTE, I
conquered!
Johnston Community College: On the Write Path
Randolph Community College: Write Now!
Piedmont Virginia Community College: Write Here, Write Now!
Tennessee State University: WRITE
Jackson State Community College: Write Away!
*These schools created or significantly enhanced their Writing Centers as
a part of their writing QEP
How can a writing QEP be assessed?
Pre/post testing
Writing portfolios graded by common rubric
Student survey: CCSSE
Faculty/Staff Survey
Improvements in writing proficiency scores on the exit exam
(ETS)
How will faculty engage with the QEP?
Initially, many faculty members may cringe at the idea of grading
stacks of papers.
But a writing QEP does not mean a term paper in every class!
Many classes outside the English Department already require
essays. These existing assignments could be easily updated to work
with a variety of writing QEP topics.
Faculty will assign types of writing that are best suited to their
courses; student writing could be exploratory or transactional, highstakes or low-stakes.
Faculty will be supported by the Writing Center.
How will students engage with the QEP?
Our students are already writing in many of their classes!
In a recent survey, students identified procrastination as one of the
main issues getting in the way of successful writing. Creating a
culture where drafting a revising are encouraged can help our
students better tap into the abilities they already possess.
Students will find support not only in their classrooms, but also in
the Writing Center.
Role of the Writing Center
Support for Faculty
Faculty workshops
Resources for creating excellent
writing prompts
A standard grading rubric
template (that can be modified
for individual disciplines)
Tutors available for classroom
visits and general or disciplinespecific in-class workshops
Support for Students
Face-to-face and online tutoring
appointments
Regular workshops held in the
Writing Center
ETS prep sessions
Embedded tutors in ENGL
0810
A service-learning opportunity for
peer tutors
How will we engage with the QEP
beyond the classroom?
Because Motlow staff engage in many types of professional writing
(from email to grant writing), a writing QEP is particularly wellsuited to include all members of the Motlow community.
The QEP can link up with things we are already doing. For
example: resume writing workshops sponsored by Student Success
and library orientation visits that focus on research skills.
The Writing Center can organize and sponsor events that
celebrate academic and non-academic writing. For example, an
essay contest for all students enrolled in Composition I and a
reading for National Poetry Month (April).
Thanks so much for reading!
To learn more about existing Writing Center resources, go
to: http://www.mscc.edu/writingcenter/index.aspx
Any Questions?
Contact Jenna Caviezel at jcaviezel@mscc.edu