Her diligence and talents in this area were recognized early. Writing Paragraphs and Sentences , which served as the Freshman English text for a number of years. The key to teaching a student how to write is confidence, Ballard said. Students are very sensitive about writing, too. They don't mind telling you that they have trouble in math, but they are very sensitive about the writing.
Writing is such a personal thing.
You're expressing yourself when you write. It's a delicate balance to given them whatever help they need, correct what needs correcting, while keeping their self esteem growing. Her interest in teaching the mechanics of writing led Ballard to an interesting interdisciplinary project. The late law enforcement professor Robert Levie felt that his students needed training in police report writing and turned to Ballard for help. Ballard designed a police writing course and co-authored a text, Criminal Justice Report Writing , with Levie.