Modeled after a college writing center, the Jackson Academy Writing Center is available daily for all ninth through twelfth-grade students during seventh period. The goal of the Writing Center is to encourage students to utilize built-in academic support to refine their writing before college.
The ability to communicate clearly in writing is a skill everyone needs regardless of their career. “I do not care if a person belongs in a boardroom, a classroom, a surgical suite, a legal office, an insurance office, a bank, or at home–at some point, you will need to write something to communicate an idea to another person clearly,” said Ann Boswell Carlson, who coordinates the Writing Center in Dee Ball’s classroom (H114).
Consultation and Feedback Increase Student Confidence
While the ultimate purpose of the Writing Center is to foster strong future writing, the immediate task is to refine students’ writing while they are at JA. “The main objectives involve helping students improve their writing skills and gain more confidence in their writing abilities through immediate consultation and feedback. The goal is, of course, to prepare them for their college writing assignments,” said Carlson.
College campuses nationwide offer a writing center, said Head of Upper School Brandi Richardson. “By offering the Writing Center, we aim to help students at all experience levels through the writing process. Students visit the writing center for help that ranges from light editing and proofreading, source checking, and evaluating arguments to the beginner stage of brainstorming ideas and topics,” she said. “Students are encouraged to visit the Writing Center before all major writing assessments. Students who utilize the writing center build confidence in their writing abilities. “
Carlson says interested students can come to Mrs. Ball’s classroom during the seventh period without an appointment. Some students visit with Carlson for every paper they write. History teacher Dr. Dennis Conklin often joins her to work with students before his quarterly research paper due dates. Other students have yet to use the resource, but utilizing the center is easy.
“Most college campuses make students sign up ahead of time to attend.” said Carlson. “I have found this model does not work well on the high school level, so I welcome students whenever they wish to attend.”
Identifying Problem Areas and Making Corrections Increase Competence
To maximize their experience, students should make sure they have read and understand their assignment before coming to the center. They work independently and identify their specific needs, with Carlson providing assistance as required.
“To make the most of their visit, students should be well-acquainted with their assignments. If they have difficulty understanding instructions, it is advisable to consult their teacher rather than seeking help at the Writing Center,” Carlson advised. “For those who only require proofreading, there is an option to email me their paper. However, please note that during a regular week, there is a 24-hour turnaround time, and during research paper season, this extends to 48 hours. To encourage time management and discourage procrastination, proofreading assistance is not available on the day an assignment is due.”
Why is it important to be a proficient writer?
- Writing indicates the ability to synthesize information and connect specifics to an overarching idea.
- Writing requires attention to detail and the ability to revise one’s work.
- Writing fosters critical thinking.
- Writing leads the writer to examine multiple perspectives.
- Writing makes the writer consider his or her audience.
- Writing helps the writer develop a style of communication.
All of these skills are necessary for any person who wishes to be successful, Carlson said.
