Writing instruction workshop to aims to help faculty enhance their teaching

Western Washington University faculty members teaching a writing GUR or a writing proficiency course are invited to attend 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, is sponsored by WWU's 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 to work on your own 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, so priority will be given to those who pre-register by May 31. To pre-register, email Heather Dalzell. For more details, contact WIS director Carmen Werder, who will facilitate the workshop, at carmen.werder@wwu.edu or (360) 650-7329.