Grammar and Proofreading in the Writing Center: Grammar Has Its Place

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Grammar and Proofreading in the Writing Center
Grammar Has Its Place

• Ariel Jade McCullough and Tori Crosby
• Mississippi College
• WC Internship Research Project
• November 2012

2
Background

• Grammar being taught in the Writing Center has
  been a frequently debated topic.
• Is grammar relevant in the WC?
• Is teaching grammar effective?

3
Method of Research

• We researched and read multiple articles
  surrounding the ideas of grammar and proofreading
  in the Writing Center.
• These articles provided scenarios in which
  grammar being taught is effective and appropriate.

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Grammar can be effectively taught through the
context of the students own work.
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When is it appropriate to address grammar?

• When a student has
• Good content
• Good flow of ideas
• Solid progression
• Solid conclusion
• Specific questions
• Frequently repeated errors

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How to address grammar

• Always explain grammar rules in the context of
  the students writing.
• NEVER try to explain more than a few grammatical
  errors you will lose the students
  receptiveness.
• Keep the corrections few and detailed in
  explanation.
• This helps to progress the self-correction/editing
  within the long-term development of the writer.

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Strategies

• Clear explanation of few grammar rules, more in
  depth
• Getting students to talk by asking leading
  questions
• ONLY address, correct and explain repeated errors
  in the students own writing

• Minimal Marking
• Error Logs
• ALWAYS EXPLAIN GRAMMAR IN CONTEXTSTUDENTS WILL
  RETAIN THE INFORMATION BETTER IF RELEVANT TO
  HIS/HER OWN WRITING.

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Reminders

• Grammar has its place.
• Always explain grammar rules and corrections to
  students in context.
• Always teach grammar in accordance to the benefit
  of the writer, always aware of his/her
  needs/development within the writing process.

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Final Thoughts

• If any man wishes to write a clear style, let
  him first be clear in his thoughts.
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe