Writing Across the Curriculum

Definition of WAC: "Students use written language to develop and communicate in every discipline and across disciplines" (Young 3)

Why WAC? Because students should experience writing as an integral part of their professional education.

The focus of WAC should be on teaching and learning and not on curriculum and assessment, because "WAC assumes that teachers, and not curriculum and assessment, are the center of the educational process and the key to educational reform" (3).

"Successful [writing] assignments are embedded in the unique goals of each course and are integral to the building of knowledge in that course" (5).

Five Principles to Assigning Good Writing

(from Asking Good Questions--Getting Good Writing)

Decide first of all exactly what you want a particular writing assignment to do for your students.

Explain to your students in the assignment itself how accomplishing a particular writing task is important to them.

Provide, in terms of the assignment, an audience for students other than just the teacher.

Make use of the basic patterns of analysis and synthesis.

Make use of open questions, that is, questions which permit a variety of legitimate responses.

Two Recommendations for Evaluating Student Writing

Don't correct every mechanical and usage error.

Don't award split grades for form and content.