Welcome HCC Students!! Conferencing Techniques That Create Independent Writers Howard Community College

Because we value active learning and student responsibility, the English faculty has developed a new system for conferencing in our classrooms and in our Walk-in Lab (HR 230).

To provide the best service for you, it is important that you come to your class and the walk-in lab prepared to receive help.

Student Resources for the Conferencing Session A copy of the writing assignment from their instructor A copy of any pre-writing they have done A copy of their thesis statement and outline A copy of their first draft For each conferencing session, you will need to bring the following:

Preparing for help The Thesis Statement Topic Sentence Supporting Details Introduction Conclusion Grammar Before receiving help, you will need to decide what parts of your essay require the most attention. Clicking on the appropriate links may help you think critically about those parts of the essay that are problematic for you:

Problems Getting Started Students who have problems getting started with the writing assignment or finding something to say about the topic may get assistance at our web page of pre- writing activities located here.located here

Seeing the Instructor Once you have indicated on the Conferencing Form which part(s) of your essay need(s) the most work, you are ready to conference with an instructor

Conferencing Forms Two forms are available for conferencing. Depending on your needs, you may choose to conference on either of the following: 1. Style and content Style and content 2. Grammar Grammar

Crucial Areas of the Essay Because of time limitations, it is important that you come prepared with questions for the instructor and that you choose no more than three areas of your essay to be examined per conference session.

Dialogue Once your instructor has read part of your essay, he or she will then engage in a discussion with you, raising questions that help you think more critically about your writing.

Involving the Student Your instructor may also provide suggestions for improvement; yet at the same time, you may provide the answers to your own questions.

Developing a Strategy Once you and your instructor have developed a strategy to address the central issue(s) in your writing, you will then need to note on your conferencing form the strategy you will use to improve the essay.

Forms When your session is complete, your instructor will sign and date your form. Retain the white copy for your records. The instructor will keep the carbon copy.

Completing the Conference Once your specific need(s) have been addressed, the conference is complete. You may conference with your instructor again on other parts of your essay after all other students during that class or lab setting have been seen.

In recent studies, many HCC students indicated that one-on-one conferencing was the most vital component of our writing program. Our goal is to make this service work more effectively and efficiently for you. Thanks for helping us improve the quality of service we offer you.