"I know how to ..." Analyze texts for meaning and significance; generate original ideas based on my own observations.
Comparative Genre Analysis
Activity: Compare rhetorical strategies in different disciplines; identify similarities and differences in different disciplines.
Transferable Skills: Identify elements of an argument (thesis, evidence, analysis, motive, structure) in many forms of writing.
"I know how to ..." 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
Activity: Craft a contestable thesis or hypothesis Create, evaluate, and evolve an original idea.
Transferable Skills: Be able to enter into critical conversations and make a contribution to existing knowledge.
"I know how to ..." 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
Activity: Use close reading skills to select evidence that will support your argument
Transferable Skills: Identify best possible evidence to support claims
"I know how to ..." Choose the best possible evidence for my argument.
Peer edit and proofread
Activity: Read their peer’s writing and provide feedback through written comments and peer workshop
Transferable Skills: Be able to speak about and assess their own and other’s writing
"I know how to ..." Evaluate, edit and proofread the writing of myself and others
Revision
Activity: Implement feedback, reconsider structure, and evaluate argument
Transferable Skills: Understand writing as a process of thinking and communication
"I know how to ..." Revise my own writing to improve elements of writing including style, evidence use, organization, etc.
Locating and evaluating sources
Activity: Use academic databases to locate sources, evaluate sources appropriate for academic writing, create annotated bibliography.
Transferable Skills: Identify and find reputable sources, learn the skills of library and archival research (identifying key terms etc.), synthesize multiple sources.
"I know how to ..." Find sources using academic search engines.
Conferences
Activity: Meet with instructors in one-on-one conferences.
Transferable Skills: Help to refine work through oral feedback and dialogue Model one-to-one conversations with authority figures.
"I know how to ..." Exchange ideas and information with instructors and other professionals.
Self-Reflection
Activity: Write cover letters that explore the writing process, including challenges and successes.
Transferable Skills: Help them understand their own process in writing and thinking, enable them to engage in self assessment.
"I know how to ..." Identify problems and concerns I didn’t know existed and clarify additional work that the writing needs.