While a strong writing skill set is pivotal to an individual’s success not only in college, but in the workplace, many students find themselves overwhelmed by the rigor of college-level writing. There are a variety of ways that English teachers can approach preparing high school students for the demands of college-level writing.
Emphasize reading the course syllabus.
Have them read it a few times. Often, a question students may have about the course (especially within the first week or so) can be found here. Have the syllabus close by for reference and highlight specific parts or lines that are important. This may include instructor’s contact information (e-mail, phone number, office/virtual hours), course policies (late work, plagiarism, formatting requirements), course materials (textbooks, workbooks, login/access codes, and links), weekly course schedules (assignments and due dates), and specific directions for assignments (requirements and style).
Emphasize the importance of reading.
Reading frequently creates opportunities for students to expand their vocabulary, identify specific writing styles, and understand the construction of narratives and arguments. As students become increasingly familiar with what strong writing looks like, they often start incorporating sophisticated techniques into their own writing subconsciously. Reading the required course assignments are also important to emphasize and use for class structure.
Make time for constructive feedback.
Providing meaningful feedback is a critical component of helping students grow as writers. Most notably, research shows that feedback targeted at how students should apply areas of strength and address areas for improvement from one assignment on a future assignment tends to lead to better essays over time.
Discuss research methods.
The research required to find sources to cite is more involved in college than high school. In high school, a simple Google search is often sufficient to find a few required sources. In college, finding reputable sources means going to the university library to find books in person or perusing academic peer-reviewed journals online. Discuss how to research effectively and how to site papers in format.
What are some other ways you prep your students for college writing?
Resources:
https://marcolearning.com/how-to-prepare-high-school-students-for-college-writing/
https://www.noredink.com/insights/blog/tips-for-preparing-students-for-college-writing
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