Faculty teaching writing courses invited to free workshop aimed at enhancing instruction

Faculty members at Western Washington University teaching a writing GUR or a writing proficiency course are invited to join other WWU faculty in a two-and-a-half day working session to gain ideas and practices for enhancing writing instruction.

The workshop, scheduled for Sept. 7 to 9 at Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center facility, is sponsored by the Writing Instruction Support program with support from the Western Libraries.

The theme of the instructional series is "Backwards by Design." The goal is to move backward from identifying discipline-based learning expectations, to devising evaluation schemes for realizing those expectations, back to designing effective writing assignments, back to developing classroom activities and practices for supporting those assignments. Sessions will include presentations, dialogue and demonstrations as well as time for faculty members to work on course materials in the company of colleagues.

The workshop is free, open to all WWU faculty teaching officially designated writing courses or any course with a substantial writing component, and includes transportation, lodging, meals and materials. Participants are asked to commit to two overnight stays. Space is limited. To pre-register, email Heather Dalzell at heather.dalzell@wwu.edu. For more details, contact WIS director Carmen Werder, who will facilitate the workshop, at carmen.werder@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7329.