Today@Dal

Is writing important in your field and students’ future careers?

We say yes. Learning to write is important.

At the Dalhousie Writing Centre we work one-on-one, in small groups, and in classes with students from first year through completion of PhD programs from across the curriculum.

Our findings show that one tutoring session at the Writing Centre doesn’t necessarily improve student success. (The students probably have better papers, but they haven’t improved their writing skills.) Three sessions, though, show a marked improvement in retention to the next year. (It may have a lot to do with self-advocacy, but in any event, students develop their writing skills.)

Help first-year students (in particular) find us by inviting us into your class for a quick visit in September and January. (If you give them an early writing assignment, they will start into the course work quicker as well.)

Write to Dr. Margie Clow Bohan at c.bohan@dal.ca and request a 5-10 minute visit from a Writing Centre staff member. Your students will know who we are and where we are.

Thanks. Have a great start to the fall term.