How to involve the student

I have had some difficulty asking questions that get the student more involved in the grammar sessions. Some students just want you to correct their paper when it comes to grammar (especially ESL). I can't think of any questions that would make the student think and correct their own paper. Any ideas??

ESL strategies

Since we have so many ESL students (in remedial, "ESL," or normal classes) come in on a regular basis, and at one time or other we'll be at a loss as to how to explain something in terms they'll understand and internalize, I was thinking of having this be a running post - individual comments for insights, ideas, etc.

To start (of course, immersion is the best strategy, but that takes time and we have to work with what we have):

* How do we explain the reasons for using "a/an" or "the" in front of some nouns and omitting the article in front of others? General rules?

* Prepositions - a biggie.

* Verb tenses - in my experience, this hasn't been too much of a problem, but it's worth discussing anyway.

* Subject-verb agreement and "of" clauses - e.g. "The pack (singular) of cards (plural) is/are (they sometimes don't understand which one to use; this has entailed a lengthy explanation on my part on several occasions) sitting on the table."

* Punctuation marks (several peers have worked with some people who have no idea what the different ones look like).

* Sentence order and organization.

Continue...

Today is a special day...

As I headed out the door this morning, I saw on the calendar that, at least in the US, today is "National Boss Day." So here's something trite (if you guys can think of anything better, post it...):

Happy Boss Day to you,
Happy Boss Day to you,
Happy Boss Day, dear Helen,
Happy Boss Day to you!

field trip

hi everybody! I know I mentioned it in the meeting, and the minutes that I was going to try and visit one ior more writing centeres at other schools in the near future. Just in case anyone didn't read it everywhere else- here it is again!

If you are thinking of transferrring to a chicago-area school (suburbs included),
please let me know. I'm planning a lunch with a UIC grad. who worked in the WC there.
We picked a cool cafe in the Milwaukee Damen neighborhood (near Ukranian village/wicker park) for lunch so that I can ask her tons of questions that I have. Later in the semester, or possibly next semester, she is going to show me around the actual WC.

I know you were all dying to know this.
Seriously, though, even if you don't think writing center work directly relates to your major, it may be worth looking into your transfer school has a writing center.

If anyone decides that they would like to check out the center at another school, let me know. I'm interesetd in writing centers in general as part of my major, so I would love to tag along.
-sabrina

Welcome

Welcome Peer Coaches!





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All of you have been doing a wonderful job this semester. So far we have had over 300 appointments in the 5 short weeks we have been open. There are 2 main resons for this. The students really like the help that you have been giving them, and WCOnline has made it so very easy for them to schedule their appointments.





I would like you to use this blog to discuss the day to day going on in the center. ..your joys and your challenges.



Be sure to check this once a day if you can, Monday-Thursday, and post on it.



Have a great week,



Helen