URI WCenter Blog: April 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

KIN 275 Plagiarism

So I just had a student come in with a research paper for KIN 275. The actual paper was due a few weeks back and the instructor has just handed them back, informing the entire class that there were many cases of plagiarism, whether intended or accidental. From what I was told, it seems that there is now a group of worried students who have no idea whether they fall into this group of plagiarists. The particular student I saw had excellent in text citations (APA format) and when we talked through her method for citing (including citing paraphrased items) it was very clear that she really was unnecessarily concerned. I still read through the paper with her and gave her tips on what to watch for when avoiding plagiarism.
With this new blog space, I figured I would just forewarn y'all in case of an influx of plagiarism panic!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Concision and Vocabulary Expansion

Here's a handout with examples of how to be more concise and ways to expand vocabulary when composing a writing project. Just click here.

Extra Credit in 10 minutes

Friday morning I had a student come in with a paper in pretty rough shape. It was due in 10 minutes, so there really wasn't much he could do, although he was receptive to making changes. Of course, the best part was that he came in hoping to get a required visit form in order to get the extra credit his instructor promised for visiting the center!

Senior Send Off Carnival 4/23/09

ALL students are invited to attend the Senior Send Off Carnival, located at the Alumni Center at 73 Upper College Rd, from 11am to 3pm, there will be FREE BBQ food, music, giveaways, carnival snacks, games and a raffle. Hosted by the Alumni Assoc. to demonstrate student appreciation and welcome seniors into the alumni family.

Food and Giveaways are first come, first serve! So, come early and bring all of your friends.

See you there!

History Extra Credit

Recently I encountered 5 students in one night coming in for extra credit for a history paper. I don't remember the exact course number, but the assignment sheet was pretty specific with what the teacher is looking for. If you get any students for this project, make sure you go through the sheet with them (and note the instructor's wacky in-text citation format).

Questions for Facilitative Tutoring

Here is a list of questions to aid in facilitative tutoring. In asking the student/writer questions, you are giving them the opportunity to think critically and take some initiative in the session. Clearly, these questions may change based upon the assignment at hand.

What is your assignment about?
What are the criteria your professor gave for the assignment?
What is your biggest concern with the assignment?
What are you trying to accomplish from your visit?
What area of the paper would you like us to focus on today?
What is your paper's thesis and focus?
Can you sum up what you are trying to accomplish in this assignment?
Do you find that your paper drifts from that focus or thesis? Where do you find that?
What do you see as the strengths in your paper?
What do you see as the weaknesses in your paper?

Cystic Fibrosis Walk 5/16/09

Danielle has just registered the writing center's team, "the WC," for the Cystic Fibrosis Walk in Newport on Saturday, May 16th! Registration is at 9am, and the walk begins at 10am at Jamestown's Brenton Point. Bring your family and friends as the event promises "food, music and fun!"

Not to mention: it is for a great cause!!

To join go to the following website and click on "Join my Team" here.

Thanks, Danielle, for making us aware of this great opportunity. We can't wait to see everyone there--to "walk" off the summer with a bang!!!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Meeting Minutes

Minutes from our April 15 meeting on "What's in a good reflection on a taped session?" (Or just click here.)

Minutes from our April 8 meeting on counseling and Counseling Services. (Or just click here.)

Minutes from our April 1 meeting on age differences in the WCenter. (Or just click here.)

Minutes from our March 25 meeting on WCenter case studies. (Or just click here.)

Minutes from our March 4 meeting on reflection in the WCenter. (Or just click here.)

Portfolio Pandemonium

If you missed the staff meeting on April 15th, then you might not have received the Portfolio Pandemonium schedule. Please check your hours below and let Bryna know if there are any problems or concerns. (sorry for the weird formatting)

9:30-10 Nikki Cathryn Guanglan

10-10:30 Nikki Cathryn Jen Guanglan

10:30-11 Nikki Matt Cathryn Laurie Jen Guanglan

11-11:30 Nikki Matt Cathryn Laurie Jen Guanglan

11:30-12 Nikki Matt Cathryn Laurie Jen Stephen

12-12:30 Ray Nikki Matt Andrew Laurie Stephen Rob

12:30-1 Ray Matt Andrew Laurie Elyse Stephen Beth Rob

1-1:30 Ray Kate Matt Andrew Elyse Stephen Beth

1:30-2 Ray Kate Joannah Andrew Jamie Elyse Beth Ludy

2-2:30 Kate Joannah Andrew Jamie Elyse Beth Ludy

2:30-3 Kate Joannah Jamie Elyse Ludy

3-3:30 Joannah Jamie Elyse Ludy