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Academic Writing

Marian's Academic Writing Hub! 📚✍️ Your one-stop resource for all things academic writing. Whether you're a student crafting your first college essay or polishing your dissertation, we've got tools to help you succeed.

Embedding Peer Writing Tutorials in Undergraduate Course Assignments

📝 Stregnthen Student Writing, One Assignment at a Time

This toolkit is designed to help faculty integrate Peer Writing Tutorials into their course assignments. By incorporating these tutorials, you can stregnthen student writing skills, promote peer learning, and improve overall assignment outcomes.

 

Why Embed Peer Writing Tutorials?

  • 🎯 Improve assignment-specific writing quality
  • 🔄 Develop revision and peer feedback skills
  • 🚫 Reduce plagiarism through early intervention
  • 🌍 Support diverse writing backgrounds

 

How It Works

  1. Select Assignments: Choose key writing tasks for tutorial integration
  2. Update Rubrics: Add "evidence of peer writing tutorial" requirement
  3. Guide Students: Provide clear expectations for each assignment's tutorial
  4. Implement: Students complete tutorial before final submission
  5. Assess: Use Client Report Form as evidence of completed tutorial

 

What's Included in the Toolkit?

  • Syllabus Snippets
  • Assignment-Specific Tutorial Guidelines Template
  • Rubric Examples with Tutorial Component
  • Student Guide for Peer Writing Tutorials
  • FAQs for Students and Instructors

 

Need Support?

  • 👥 Book a one-on-one consultation with Tanisha Neely, Writing Consultant and Graduate Academic Success Coordinator
  • 📧 Contact Academic Commons at  academiccommons@marian.edu or stop by the Academic Commons Help Desk on the first floor of the Library for assistance

 

Student Scheduling

Direct students to book their Peer Writing Tutorials here https://marian.mywconline.com/

Remember: Clear communication about writing expectations for each assignment is key to successful implementation!

Syllabus Snippets

This course incorporates Peer Writing Tutorials to stregnthen your writing skills and support your academic success. For each major writing assignment, you are required to participate in at least one Peer Writing Tutorial. These tutorials offer valuable opportunities for feedback and revision, helping you improve the quality of your work and develop essential peer review skills.

 

Basic Introduction to Peer Writing Tutorials

Peer Writing Tutorials can assist you with:
- Brainstorming and planning your assignment
- Developing your thesis or main arguments
- Organizing your ideas and structuring your paper
- Refining your draft and improving clarity
- Polishing your final version and citing sources correctly

While one tutorial is required for each major assignment, you are strongly encouraged to utilize this resource throughout your writing process.

 

Peer Writing Tutorial Policy

Peer Writing Tutorial Requirement:
For each major writing assignment in this course, you must complete the following steps:

1. Schedule at least one Peer Writing Tutorial through the "Peer Tutoring" schedule in WC Online
2. Attend the tutorial and actively engage in the session
3. Revise your work based on the feedback received
4. Submit your final draft along with the tutorial confirmation email

Failure to provide evidence of at least one Peer Writing Tutorial (in the form of a confirmation email) will result in a [X]% deduction from your assignment grade.

Note: While only one tutorial is required, you are strongly encouraged to schedule additional sessions as needed throughout your writing process.

 

Scheduling Information

To schedule a Peer Writing Tutorial:

1. Visit https://marian.mywconline.com
2. Log in using your university credentials
3. Select the "Peer Tutoring" schedule
4. Choose an available time slot that works for you
   (Book at least 48 hours before your assignment deadline)
5. Fill out the appointment form with details about your assignment and writing concerns

6. Upload your written draft and assignment instructions/rubric

Remember, you can schedule tutorials at any point in your writing process, from initial brainstorming to final polishing. Don't wait until you have a complete draft to seek support!

For questions or assistance with scheduling, contact the Academic Commons at  academiccommons@marian.edu or stop by the Academic Commons Help Desk on the first floor of the Library

Assignment-Specific Tutorial Guidelines Template

[Assignment Name] Peer Writing Tutorial Guidelines 📝

As part of this assignment, you are required to participate in a Peer Writing Tutorial. 👥

 

Tutorial Scheduling: 🗓️
Schedule your tutorial through "Peer Tutoring" in WC Online

 

Tutorial Focus: 🎯
During your tutorial, focus on the following aspects of your assignment:
1. [Specific aspect, e.g., thesis development] 💡
2. [Specific aspect, e.g., paragraph structure] 🏗️
3. [Specific aspect, e.g., use of evidence] 🔍

 

Scheduling:
Schedule your tutorial at least 48 hours before the assignment due date

 

What to Bring: 🎒
- Your current draft (even if incomplete) 📄
- The assignment prompt 📝
- Any specific questions or concerns you have ❓

 

During the Tutorial: 🤝
- Engage actively in the discussion 💬
- Take notes on the tutor's suggestions ✏️
- Ask questions for clarification 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

 

After the Tutorial: 🔄
- Review your notes thoroughly 👀
- Create a revision plan based on the tutor's suggestions 📊
- Implement changes in your work ✍️
- Consider scheduling a follow-up tutorial if needed 🔁

 

Submitting Your Work: 📨
- Include the tutorial confirmation email with your final assignment submission 📎
- Be prepared to discuss how you incorporated the feedback 🗣️

 

Remember: The Peer Writing Tutorial is worth [Z]% of your assignment grade. 🌟

Pro Tip: The earlier you schedule your tutorial,

Rubric Example with Tutorial Component

Example: Essay Rubric


 
Criterion Excellent (A) Good (B) Needs Improvement (C) Poor (D/F)
Content (25%) ... ... ... ...
Organization (20%) ... ... ... ...
Analysis (20%) ... ... ... ...
Writing Style (15%) ... ... ... ...
Citations (10%) ... ... ... ...
Peer Writing Tutorial Participation (10%) Attended tutorial. Clear implementation of feedback evident in essay. Provided tutorial confirmation. Attended tutorial. Some implementation of feedback evident. Provided confirmation. Attended tutorial but little evidence of feedback implementation. May be missing confirmation. Did not attend tutorial or no evidence of feedback use. No confirmation provided.

 

Note to instructors: While the rubric assesses the required tutorial, consider offering extra credit or other incentives for students who engage in multiple tutorials throughout their writing process.

FAQs for Students and Instructors

For Students:

Q: How far in advance should I schedule my tutorial?

A: Schedule at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Q: What if I don't have a complete draft?

A: That's okay! Peer tutors can help at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final revisions.

Q: Can I have multiple tutorials for one assignment?

A: Yes, and it's encouraged! Check with your instructor about potential extra credit for multiple tutorials.

 

For Instructors:

Q: How do I verify that students completed the tutorial?

A: Students should submit the tutorial confirmation email with their assignment.

Q: How can I encourage students to seek tutorials earlier in the writing process?

A: Consider offering bonus points for early or multiple tutorials, or build in checkpoints throughout the assignment timeline.

Q: What training do peer tutors receive?

A: Peer tutors undergo comprehensive training in writing center pedagogy, active listening, and providing constructive feedback.