This week I held conferences with my students for their research papers. While I think (I hope) it's been helpful in their writing process, one benefit of this for sure was that it forced (not sure if that's the best word, but oh well...) my students to come to my office. Prior to this, none of my students came to my office and I knew at least some students had questions because I have been getting e-mails. These conferences have been very short, but it's been a good experience getting to talk t… Continue

So today I gave the students a brief talk about the logistics behind our in-class final: a WPE test. (I initially had mis-givings about doing the WPE, but eventually decided to because they will all have to take it, and they might as well have an introduction.) I stressed timed writing skills, reminded them about the pre-writing that is important for that sort of thing, and showed them a few templates. (I know--templates. But the WPE is what it is.)

Next week we are having conferences. Because… Continue