Integrating SurfaceFeature Strategies into Writing across Disciplines

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Integrating Surface-Feature Strategies into
Writing across Disciplines

• Fifth Annual UMUC July Writing Conference
• July 25, 2008
• Margo S. Coleman, Collegiate Professor,
  UMUC-Europe
• David S. Ramsey, Collegiate Assistant Professor,
  UMUC-Asia

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Introduction

• Overview
• Application of Psychology Concepts to Writing
• Review of Strategies to Address Surface-Feature
  Elements
• Example Grading Exercise
• Conclusion
• Questions?

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Application OF Psychology Concepts to Writing

• Incorporating learning concepts including
  reinforcement and shaping
• Utilize a strength-based approach with feedback
• Implement multiple writing assignments instead of
  one large paper
• Use different approaches to assignments depending
  on course level
• Apply pattern analysis to writing assignments

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Review of Strategies to Address Surface-Feature
Elements

• Envisioning surface-feature errors as patterns,
  rather than as discrete and separate entities.
• Less overwhelming for student
• More productive
• Is in line with current composition theory

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Review of Strategies to Address Surface-Feature
Elements

• Presenting a lecture which addresses common
  patterns of error
• Present layperson definitions and examples
• Refer students to other resources
• Edit first paper with common patterns

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Review of Strategies to Address Surface-Feature
Elements

• Providing written feedback on students
  compositions which helps them to recognize and
  edit personal patterns of error.
• Edit first page
• Determine patterns
• Use of underlining
• Application of use

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Example Grading Exercise

• Strength Quite timely and interesting.
• Patterns of error
• Awkward phrasing
• Fragments
• Lack of semicolons
• Lack of commas for coordinating conjunctions
• Lack of commas after introductory phrases

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Conclusion
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Questions?