Spaces available in Writing Instruction retreat

Spaces have come available in the upcoming Backwards by Design 2014: Faculty Writing Instruction Working Retreat.

The Writing Instruction Support program, part of Western Libraries' Learning Commons, sponsors an annual working session that offers Western Washington University faculty members a chance to gain ideas and new practices on teaching and assessing writing. The “backwards by design” approach begins with identifying discipline-based threshold concepts and works back to instructional practices and activities for teaching them. The working retreat also gives faculty a chance to work on their own course materials in the company of colleagues from across campus who share a commitment to supporting our students" learning and writing proficiency.

This year’s retreat is scheduled for Aug. 26 to 28 at Western’s Shannon Point Marine facility in Anacortes.

Agenda topics include:

• Day 1 - Design: disciplinary concepts, course syllabus, evaluation schemes
• Day 2 - Enactment: creating assignments, engaging practices
• Day 3 - Results: Learning activities, show & tell demos

All expenses (lodging for a shared room, meals, and materials) are covered, and transportation will be arranged. If you are interested in attending, please contact shevell.thibou@wwu.edu. For more details, contact WIS director Carmen Werder, who will facilitate the workshop, at carmen.werder@wwu.edu or 360-650-7329.