Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Scholarship Domain(s)

Scholarship of Discovery, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The implementation of an on-campus Writing Center is an extension of the holistic approach to student success and retention. Previous attempts to provide an online resource at Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) failed to meet the need of providing one-on-one tutorials. Research proves that this approach does not teach the student how to identify and correct gaps in writing thought, organization, and voice. An ONU Writing Center must be more than an editing center, serving more students than those with remedial writing skills. It should serve as a consistent presence on campus as a facilitator of quality writing across the disciplines. The research team for this project conducted research, reviewed literature, visited successful writing centers across the region, and collected data to implement a pilot study for the academic school year of 2010-2011. Preliminary research addressed staffing and training, financial commitments, logistical space and operations, and an in-depth look at the value of implementing such a program for retention purposes. The pilot study program served students from two courses: College Writing II and Scriptures II. Data collection for analysis was provided through revisions across drafts, interviews, and surveys. Although this study did not track final grades to compare them, the findings suggest that the writing center made a positive impact on the participants. At the end of the pilot study, research, data analysis, and detailed cost-analysis figures were presented to ONU Administration and faculty, as well as a professional peer audience.

Comments

Research for this project was funded in part by a March toward Meaning grant.

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