Focusing on student transition into university at Level 1, an online diagnostic writing evaluation for students was designed and delivered through the University's VLE, MyAberdeen. Follow-up writing development would be offered, to those identified as being in need, through online resources and face-to-face workshops provided by the Student Learning Service (SLS), part of the Centre for Academic Development CAD.
The model:
Higher English Papers from the 1970s, requiring students to read and summarise a given text with accurate use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
The method:
One-hour timed online diagnostic evaluation for all Level 1 students (in first week of teaching in September) with degree intentions in Arts & Social Sciences.
As an early indication that writing matters at university, the strategy is to offer early academic writing development to those identified as in need:
Read and summarise a text (approx. 600-700 words) in maximum of 150 words (timed evaluation once commenced but available to access for a week)
Evaluations completed online and marked by academic staff in the appropriate School
Grading criteria:
ability to summarise
accuracy of spelling, grammar and punctuation
Results expressed as A (achieved) or N (not achieved) with written feedback provided by School academic staff markers
Students not achieving or not engaging with the first evaluation are directed to online writing improvement resources (offered by SLS) and take another evaluation in Week 5 of teaching (again with an A or N result and written feedback)
Students not achieving or not engaging with the second evaluation are required to attend a short course of academic writing development workshops offered by the SLS during Weeks 8-10)