Writing+Expectations

I am often asked about expectations for written responses and assignments as a part of our online work. This page is to clarify some parameters to help you better understand and adhere to similar 'rules'.

While I try to promote a flexible atmosphere in our class and an opportunity for participants to define much of their own focus for assignments, as this is a graduate level class, we should observe some basic rules for our written communication.


 * For general writing, I still rely on the same rubric I use with my middle schoolers - ERB has developed a writing assessment called the WrAP which uses this 6 point rubric to help students improve in their writing. I like that it moves beyond basic grammar and mechanics to constructs such as support and development of ideas.
 * We won't have any formal papers, but citations will still be needed within assignments. An excellent guide is the Purdue OWL Writing Lab . The current standard for the social sciences is APA 6 (American Psychological Association, version 6).
 * For our online discussion board interactions, use this rubric to help you understand good practices in posting and responding to others.

Written communication in this course not only conveys your thinking, but will shape your learning and the way in which you choose to define yourself to others. If you are taking the time to write, why not consider your audience and the message you want to present.

A colleague recently shared this infographic about writing and the brain - perhaps you will find it as interesting as I did!