Resources for the Teaching of Writing
Whether you are teaching a writing intensive (W) course or just assigning the occasional paper or report, you know that students struggle with writing. The challenges range from larger issues of composition (finding a thesis, constructing and organizing paragraphs, accommodating readers, adhering to a particular format or style manual, etc.) to expressing one's ideas in standard written English. Here are some resources at Penn State and elsewhere that you may find useful for designing writing assignments, evaluating student papers, and assisting students in developing good writing skills and practices. You may also want to refer your students to some of these resources.
Resources at Penn State
Center for Excellence in WritingIncludes information on what constitutes a "W" course, resources for designing and evaluating writing assignments, and listings of ongoing workshops on various writing topics.
Developing Writing Assignments
Checklist for designing writing assignmentsSuggestions for structuring writing assignments to maximize student learning and writing improvement
Includes opportunities for revision, student consultations and evaluation criteria.
Evaluating writing
Faculty feedback on student writingHighlights incorporating multiple forms of feedback in evaluations of student writing.
Ten strategies for effective and efficient evaluation of student writing
General rubric to evaluate writing
Rubric for a literature review assignment
Rubric for an expository writing assignment
Additional information on grading rubrics from the Institute
Writing Assignment Development/Evaluation for Specific Disciplines
Bibliographies on creating writing intensive curricula for specific disciplinesIncludes relevant research on the teaching of writing in several disciplines
Writing Resources for Students
Online writing lab at Purdue University (OWL)Includes types of writing assignments (i.e. expository, creative, persuasive), creating a thesis statement, and plagiarism.