Thesis Besis

Written by Kelsey Kotwasinski | December 12, 2011 | No Comments

 Kelsey, Peer Writing Consultant

Do you ever get to that point in the semester, whether it be in high school or college, where all of your classes seem to be talking about the same thing? I always take interest in this point of the semester because it gives me a sense of ease. My classes are always polar opposites in subject, yet somehow can combine to teach the same thing.

Since writing classes are almost always required, I decided to take one this semester, along with my two science courses, and two fine arts courses. How can science courses and writing courses be talking about the same thing you ask? I actually asked myself the same question. It took quite a bit of time on my mind. The subject in my writing class was proper format for papers, while we were talking about cells in my science course. The two actually sounded a lot alike.

The same process goes along whether preforming an experiment or writing a paper. In science there are lists of steps that need to be taken when going about any experiment. First you need to ask a question. This is the same in writing a paper. For example, what are you writing about? What purpose are you trying to serve in writing this paper? The second step is to do background research. Not to sound like a broken record, but writing takes some of this too, no matter what you are writing about. Even if the subject is your past vacation to Florida, you still need to research in your mind the memories you want to write about. Needless to say science is directly related to writing.

To sum up the last steps of the scientific method, one needs to construct a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze your data to draw a conclusion, and communicate your results. This is almost exactly the steps one needs to take in writing a paper. I think that once I realized my classes were so closely similar, I felt somewhat a sense of control. If I stayed in this state of mind, this seven or so step state of mind, there is no way that I could get off track.

Now I have this little “cheat sheet” I created for myself, I like to share it with any of my classmates or clients who are struggling. When anyone is having trouble coming up with a clear and concise thesis statement, I try to explain how these steps can be taken to find the perfect combination of words.

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Kelsey Kotwasinski has been a Peer Writing Consultant at the MVCC Writing Center since Spring 2011. Come visit the Center to talk writing with her.

Come. Collaborate.

Written by Laura Stewart | December 6, 2011 | No Comments

Helen Keller once stated: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” To work jointly with others in an intellectual endeavor that is creative in nature is the definition of collaboration. This idea of collaboration has stuck with me and has transpired in my sessions with clients in the Speaking and Writing Center. People often come into the Speaking and Writing Center looking exasperated and express feeling lost or stuck or just “hating this paper”. I found that just sitting and talking openly about the assignment leads to an explosion-an exchange of ideas, opinions, and perspectives that help that student grab a hold of their paper. Collaboration really encourages and empowers the student by promoting excellence and active learning. And according to a psychological theory, “learning leads development.” A major reason I promote collaboration is because I have realized that that is what best helps me in my own writings. I believe everyone needs feedback-the more, the better. What’s great about working with the idea of a collaborative environment is that it fosters a positive relationship with the client and helps them find their confidence. So, in the end, what is the best medicine for a struggling writer? In my opinion…a dose of conversation.

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Laura Stewart has been a Peer Writing Consultant at the MVCC Writing Center since Spring 2011. Come visit the Center to talk writing with her.

The Unwritten

Written by Becca Gervais | November 29, 2011 | No Comments

 Becca, Peer Writing Consultant

Fear. Doubt. Procrastination. What do these three words have in common? All of these are the things that truly hold us back from doing the best writing we can. They all stop us from opening up a blank word document and going to town on our writing assignment. Students fear that the professor will not understand where they are coming from or see the deeper meaning behind the words. Writers doubt every word that is put down on paper. With distractions such as Facebook, Twitter, Skype, texting, etc, sitting down and getting work done is a difficult task for many.

We let these things take over our brain instead of believing in ourselves and writing what comes to mind and truly inspires us to continue with that topic. In all reality, that is when everyone’s greatest work is developed. However, we all know that is easier said than done. The only way to solve that problem is to come up with rational solutions that are also realistic. From my experience working in The Speaking and Writing Center, the best way to get students to explain the points they want to get across in their piece of writing is to talk it out. That’s right, push the paper and pen aside and talk to someone or even yourself about what you feel are the most important aspects of the topic. Also, from discussing the information with another person, you will be able to discover the best supporting material for the paper.

No matter what method it is you decide to use, just remember that it is not worth sacrificing the great work you keep bottled up inside of you because you are scared of the professor not agreeing with your thoughts and opinions, thus lowering the grade of the piece of writing. Also, close out the internet and open up Microsoft Word and type out what comes to mind and roll with it. Without these simple steps, the rest is still unwritten.

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Becca Gervais has been a Peer Writing Consultant at the MVCC Writing Center since Spring 2011. Come visit the Center to talk writing with her.