Writing across the Curriculum: What the Literature Tells Us.

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  • Additional Information
    • Peer Reviewed:
      N
    • Source:
      20
    • Intended Audience:
      Teachers; Practitioners
    • Abstract:
      A review of the literature on writing across the curriculum (WAC) programs indicates that most such programs have four components. First, the programs require that students complete one of the following before graduation: (1) a timed writing test, (2) a departmental endorsement system, (3) a quota of regular content courses designated "writing intensive," or (4) a professional writing course. Second, WAC programs contain faculty development workshops, in which faculty from all departments cooperatively consider strategies for effectively incorporating writing into their courses. The literature in this area covers workshop structure, objectives and activities, audience, and general guidelines. Third, the programs include in-class seminars offered by the writing faculty to help the remaining faculty integrate writing into content courses. Finally, programs include a writing center, in which trained peer tutors help students with their writing assignments. Research shows that if the administration and faculty are strongly committed to WAC programs, then such programs can be successfully implemented in a variety of colleges and universities. However, faculty development workshops must be followed up, preferably by a college obligation to help students write better. (A bibliography is included.) (JD)
    • Publication Date:
      1987
    • Accession Number:
      ED274975