Helping College Students Write: A Guide for Educators

Although many educators want to help their students overcome their writing challenges, most higher education instructors do not have formal training in teaching writing. This book provides a detailed roadmap for college educators to help students make substantial improvements in their writing, particularly in courses where writing is a component, but not the primary focus.

This accessible guide offers conceptual tools and practical strategies, including lesson plans, stock comments instructors can use to explain frequently occurring writing problems, and writing prompts to help struggling students address writer’s block. Covering topics such as managing grading time, reducing students’ anxiety about writing, giving clear and formative feedback, troubleshooting, and providing practical tips for helping ESL students, this book is a one-stop shop for assisting students across academic disciplines.

By implementing the guidance offered in this manual, college and university faculty and instructors can guide students effectively and efficiently in improving their writing.

Laura M. Harrison is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Ohio University, USA.

Becky Challenger is Professor of Instruction, Academic Coordinator, and Assistant Director for the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) at Ohio University, USA.

Erin Morgenstern is Assistant to the Vice President for Priority Projects and teaches in the higher education and student affairs graduate programs at Ohio University, USA.

Oumarou Abdoulaye Balarabe is a graduate assistant and teaching assistant in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Ohio University, where he is a doctoral candidate in higher education and student affairs.