He asks each student to write a three-page paper on one of the course s key concepts, processes or applications. Students then converge in 10-person teams, each devoted to a different topic. The members of each team evaluate each paper and work together on a one-page condensation of their collective best efforts. Next, the professor turns each team paper into a transparency, which the whole class discusses and evaluates in terms of writing and content. Likewise, the class activity of evaluating the master drafts takes full advantage of what I call peer ethos.
Students learn more, and accept more, when their peers reemphasize course concepts.
Another intriguing example is a five-person group assignment of writing a technical instruction manual that another team will have to read and carry out. This teaches students to convey complex information in a systematic, attractive and reader-friendly manner. Web browsers also will find the WAC Mission Statement, grading models and hints, and instructions on designing effective writing assignment sheets. Mr. Leydens and the WAC Committee were awarded one of the twelve 1998 Curriculum Development Mini Grants. Responses to the May workshops were positive.