Selecting a New Handbook: Some Issues to Consider Paul Jude Beauvais August 20, 2008

Three Questions What instructional texts (either print or digital) do we need to teach writing well? What computer software or online platforms do we need for course management, file sharing, and peer response in composition classes? How should we obtain the funds to sustain the first-year writing awards?

Three Elements of the Handbook Contract The handbook contract provides three important items for the composition program: an instructional text for writing classes (The Brief Penguin Handbook) An online platform for course management, file sharing, and peer response (MyCompLab) funds for first-year writing awards ($3,000 per year)

Some Details of the Contract The handbook contract stipulates that The Brief Penguin Handbook will be a required text in all first-year composition classes sets the handbook price (to the bookstore) at $39.00 per copy requires that we work with the publisher to provide online resources (such as MyCompLab) provides $3,000 per year, with no restrictions on how the first-year composition program spends it

Questions Concerning Our Strategy Is a contract with a publisher the best way to provide the essential items (texts, software or online platform, and funds)? If so, which publisher provides the best package? If not, what would be better sources for the essential items?

The Handbook The handbook provides information concerning composing processes (audience analysis, invention, arrangement, revision, proofreading) form, style, and mechanics (genres, paragraph patterns, sentence structure) research (techniques and resources) fair usage of sources (documentation)

The Handbook: Some Questions How do faculty members actually use the handbook in their classes? How do students use it in and out of class? Does the department need a common handbook for all sections of first-year composition? Does a common handbook help promote consistent instruction throughout the composition program? Does a handbook eliminate the need to order another instructional text (i.e., a “rhetoric”) in ENG 101? In ENG 102? Are free online resources (e.g., the Purdue OWL materials) sufficient to eliminate the need for a handbook? Would the long-term needs of our students be better met by teaching them to rely on these resources?

The Software MyCompLab provides a course management platform file-sharing resources (to share papers) peer-response resources (to comment on papers) exercises and other ancillary materials

The Software: Some Questions How many faculty members use MyCompLab for course management, file sharing, and peer response? What features of MyCompLab do instructors like? What features do instructors dislike? What other platforms are instructors using for course management, file sharing, and peer response? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these other platforms? Do the advantages of “bundling” features into MyCompLab outweigh the disadvantages? Would the long-term needs of our students be better served by introducing them to readily available free or inexpensive online resources instead of publisher resources?

The First-Year Writing Awards The first-year writing contest offers awards in three categories (personal essay, short argument/exposition, and research report) provides cash prizes totaling approximately $1,000 each year offers a banquet at which the winners are honored provides a publication opportunity (in Red Skies) for students

The First-Year Writing Awards: Some Questions Can the awards be made self sustaining? Are there advantages in keeping a publisher involved in supporting the awards?

The Plan (A Brief Overview) During the academic year, the composition program will conduct surveys and/or focus groups (to determine instructor and student preferences) decide whether to seek a contract with a publisher if we do seek a contract, assemble a short list of books and software/platforms that we would be willing to adopt if we don’t seek a contract, select alternative sources for instructional texts, software/platforms, and funds In either case, attempt to provide the best resources at the lowest cost to students