Professors Discuss Student Writing

To learn more about "what teachers want," the Religious Department faculty were asked several questions.

1. What is your approach to grading papers? What factors are most important on the grading scale, and what are least? What factors can tip the scale from one grade to another?
   
   
2. What are the most common mistakes your students should avoid?
   
   
3. What general observations or comments can you make about student writing during your career?
   
   
4. Do you have tips for in-class essays or take-home exams?
   
   
5. Any other remarks?

1. Since the department has adopted the grading assessment rubric, this question is not very applicable. However, several professors added that besides the criteria listed on the rubric, they are also looking for sound arguments, a consistency in the writing, signs of both critical and original thinking, and a focus on content.

2. Of the mistakes the faculty talked about, the following were the most common: over-summarizing, listing sources just to meet a requirement, taking on a very broad topic, taking a personal approach rather than a critical one, using only websites as sources, and not commenting properly on the texts.

3. The faculty noted that that writing is becoming more and more informal, and that they dislike colloquialisms and cliches. Students need to remember to always start with a clear thesis and then work on developing the paper in relation to the thesis. While writing the paper, students should keep a clear organization in mind. Finally, students should remember that rewriting/revising is an important step in the writing process.

4. After years of giving in-class essays and take-home exams, the faculty had the following tips for students: organize your answer ahead of time (if possible), make sure to answer the question, budget your time, move on to the next question if you get stuck, and write clearly for a general audience. And, of course, study hard.

5. In closing, here are some remarks from the faculty:

In my view, paper writing includes research. That means going to the library and trying to use the books and sources on your own. - Dr. Ro

Many students will write a sermon [instead of a paper] and go off on a personal spiritual direction. Remember to remain objective. - Dr. Shiner

Students should remember to edit their essays, even if they're not confident. They should ask someone who they believe can help them with revisions. The role of the instructor is not a proofreader, and minor errors distract from giving useful comments. - Dr. Nguyen

Students need to write objectively; they need to go outside their personal opinions and look in on the actual subject. - Dr. Dakake

Students, over the past 20 years, write less well, probably because they read less. The quality is deteriorating ... the more students read, the better they will write. - Dr. Burns