Research
Writing Matters
the Royal Literary Fund Report on Student Writing in Higher Education
Writing Matters examines the difficulties many
students face in writing effectively and proposes a range of measures
to address these. The report argues that much greater attention should
be paid to helping students adjust to the demands of writing at university
and that writing development is a key factor for progress in the HE
sector.
Briefing
The key recommendations of Writing Matters and
background to the report.
Report
The full text of Writing Matters.
Comments
Views on Writing Matters from leading academics.
Summary
The text of RLF Trustee Hilary Spurling's launch talk.
Contents
The chapters of the report:
• provide an overview of the current situation.
• examine the widespread benefits of good writing.
• investigate why students need help with writing.
• advance detailed proposals for writing development
in universities.
• present effective action for the first year
of higher education.
• outline employers' concerns and the role
businesses can play.
• argue for a greater focus on writing skills
throughout the education system.
The report also contains:
• actual case studies illustrating the range
and nature of students' concerns.
• a model of best practice in writing support
provision.
• an outline of how to establish a Writing
Centre.
• reports on the benefits of writing development.
• recommendations for teaching writing in schools.
• a study of the effectiveness of one-to-one
help with writing.
Recommendations
Writing Matters recommends that all HEIs should:
• formulate and implement a Writing Development
Policy as part of their Learning and Teaching Strategy.
• offer a range of Writing Development provision
to advance student writing skills at all levels.
• supply clear guidance for students on all
aspects of academic writing and conventions within disciplines.
• provide explicit feedback on written assignments;
correct and effective writing should be an integral part of assessment.
• pursue a developmental approach:
some students may need remedial help; all students can improve
their writing skills.
• give credits for successful completion of
Writing Development Courses.
• introduce a diagnostic writing exercise on
entry to HE to identify for each student which areas of their writing
need attention.
• establish Writing Development Centres to
provide institution-wide training, expertise and resources.
Other Research
A Report on the
Teaching of Writing in Higher Education
Lisa Ganobcsik-Williams'
research on teaching writing in universities: attitudes, methods and
ways forward.
Royal Literary Fund
Fellowships: the Human Exchange
Stevie Davies
examines the nature and purpose of RLF one-to-ones and why they are
an effective means of teaching writing skills.
What's
Going On With Student Writing?
Katharine McMahon
looks at the RLF's work in universities, how writing is taught
in schools, and the impact of this on students arriving at university.
Resources
See the Writing section
of the website for an essay writing guide, study skills pack and tips
on dissertation writing.
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