Student Takeaways

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Task Activity Transferable Skill "I know how to…"

Close Reading

Careful, methodical analysis of a text

Observe details objectively, find meaningful patterns, draw logical inferences

Analyze texts for meaning and significance; generate original ideas based on my own observations

Comparative Genre Analysis

Compare rhetorical strategies in different disciplines

Identify similarities and differences in different disciplines




Identify elements of an argument (thesis, evidence, analysis, motive, structure) in many forms of writing

Recognize the commonalities (and differences) in writing across the disciplines and can apply my knowledge to unfamiliar disciplines. I know what questions to ask about writing elements (i.e., thesis, evidence use, citation style, organization/arrangement etc.)

Recognize and adapt my writing skills to familiar and unfamiliar disciplines

(Hypo)thesis development

Craft a contestable thesis or hypothesis

Create, evaluate, and evolve an original idea

Be able to enter into critical conversations and make a contribution to existing knowledge

Articulate a clear, original argument that challenges conventional wisdom or answers a question

Adapt this skill to generate theses and hypotheses in appropriate disciplines

Evidence selection

Use close reading skills to select evidence that will support their argument

Identify best possible evidence to support claims

Choose the best possible evidence for my argument

Peer editing and proofreading

Read their peer’s writing and provide feedback through written comments and peer workshop

Be able to speak about and assess their own and other’s writing

Evaluate, edit and proofread the writing of myself and others

Revision 

Implement feedback, reconsider structure, and evaluate argument 

Understand writing as a process of thinking and communication

Revise my own writing to improve elements of writing including style, evidence-use, organization, etc.

Locating and evaluating sources

Use academic databases to locate sources

Evaluate sources appropriate for academic writing

Create an annotated bibliography

Identify and find reputable sources

Learn the skills of library and archival research (identifying key terms etc.)

Synthesize multiple sources



Find sources using academic search engines

Conferences

Meet with instructors in one-on-one conferences 

Help to refine work through oral feedback and dialogue

Model one-to-one conversations with authority figures

Exchange ideas and information with instructors and other professionals

Self-Reflection

Write cover letters that explore the writing process, including challenges and successes

Help them understand their own process in writing and thinking

Enable them to engage in self-assessment 

Identify problems and concerns I didn’t know existed and clarify additional work that the writing needs