David Arendale: Effectiveness begins by using best practices

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Best Education Practice: McWrite Scholarly Writing Skill Seminar Series

McWrite:  Developing Scholarly Writinig Skills.  Wichita State University (KS)  (approved Promising Practice 10/15/13)  Taken from the abstract:  "The McWrite model for developing scholarly writing skills was developed at Wichita State University to help students with difficulty mastering the mechanics of writing (punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development) and scholarly writing required for graduate studies.  According to Schumacher and Gradwohl-Nash (1991), three purposes of writing are fostering understanding, changing conceptions. and developing thinking skills.  This is consistent with Piaget’s theory of cognitive development (1958).  All participants of the Wichita State University TRiO McNair Scholars Program participate in monthly, hour-long group sessions to develop increased competency in these three essential skills.  McWrite benefits students in all areas of their academics, fostering increased confidence in their writing abilities, and success in graduate school.  A unique feature of the McWrite program is the sustained and systematic approach to development of writing skills for all McNair Scholars, regardless of previous academic success.  This program is part of the core of the TRiO McNair program rather than an optional activity with limited attention".  [Click on this web link to download the education practice.]