Final Self Reflection for Writing Center Theory & Practice

Which learning experiences associated with your participation in ENGL B5600 are most significant to you -- and why are they significant?

I really enjoyed doing the fieldwork for the Writing Center Research Report. I had never done fieldwork before and it was a great learning experience. I read the articles assigned (Beverly J. Moss' Ethnography and Composition: Studying Language at Home and Chapter 2 & 5 of Bonnie Stone Sunstein and Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater's Field Reading and Writing) and found them useful. I feel that the process of the assignment (visiting a center, taking notes, observing and then writing everything up) will be helpful to me as I continue my studies.

I also really liked hearing about the other centers, how they are similar and how they are different. It put all of the readings we have done this semester into perspective.

Before this class, I didn't know anything about writing centers. Now, I'm contemplating working at one. I feel like I finally understand what goes on and what should go on at the writing center. I understand the use of having them and how they can help students succeed in college.

Learning about Mina Shaughnessy made me feel very proud to be part of this program. I find her life and all of the work she did very inspiring. I'm looking forward next semester and to reading her book, Errors and Expectations.