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Designing an Effective 7-Week Research Writing Course

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Chapter 1: Rethinking Research Writing Courses

Can a research writing course be effectively structured in just seven weeks? By moving away from traditional seat time metrics and concentrating on desired outcomes, educators can better equip students to reach their academic objectives.

The pandemic highlighted how much unnecessary work often exists within educational programs. It's evident that students don't need to complete numerous assignments to cultivate essential skills. This principle also applies to writing research papers; mastering the craft doesn't require penning multiple drafts. My experience designing shorter semester courses has reinforced this belief.

In one graduate course focused on action research, we undertook a single project over a five-week period, submitting various sections progressively. Each week was dedicated to mastering different aspects, and by the end, I produced an 80-page research project that was ultimately published in an academic journal. Reflecting on this experience, I realized it was one of my most productive learning phases, as I gained the skills and confidence needed for future research endeavors.

This approach can similarly transform a Research Writing course through the use of backward design.

Section 1.1: Common Learning Objectives for Research Writing

Here, I will outline prevalent learning objectives for introductory Research Writing courses. These classes are designed to prepare students for writing academic papers throughout their college experience and are typically part of general education curricula.

Example Learning Outcomes:

  • Clearly express and develop ideas in writing while adhering to standard academic English conventions.
  • Conduct research utilizing scholarly sources, effectively integrating these materials into their writing, and appropriately citing them using a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
  • Analyze and synthesize information from diverse sources to construct well-reasoned arguments and conclusions in written assignments.
  • Employ the writing process stages—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading—to produce clear and polished essays.

My strategy for these courses begins with identifying assessments. By aligning assessments with course goals, we can create a clear path for success.

Section 1.2: Mapping the Course Structure

In this course, the final research paper serves as a key assessment tool, allowing students to demonstrate their learning and meet all four outcomes. A well-crafted research paper showcases students' ability to articulate their thoughts coherently and utilize academic English effectively. It also illustrates their proficiency in incorporating scholarly research, analyzing information, and mastering the writing process stages.

Students will be evaluated on these outcomes through their final paper, while also addressing them throughout the course as they progress toward the final submission.

Let's consider the course milestones:

Week 7: Final Draft Research Paper

This is the ultimate polished product students will aim for. It's both the finish line and the starting point.

Week 6: Revision Workshop

This session allows students to receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors, aiding them in revising and polishing their work. Such workshops also encourage metacognitive practices, prompting students to reflect on their writing processes, evaluate their work against established criteria, and set improvement goals.

Week 5: Rough Draft

Transforming the outline into a rough draft enables students to apply their research and analysis in a structured academic format, crafting strong sentences.

Week 4: Outline

Creating an outline teaches essential organizational skills that contribute to their paper's development. Encouraging students to identify several supporting points for their thesis, backed by research and analysis, prepares them to write comprehensive papers beyond the typical five-paragraph structure.

Week 3: Thesis Statement

Upon completing their research and answering related questions, students are equipped to formulate a compelling argument. Concentrating on the thesis also allows them to seek additional sources that bolster their claims.

Week 2: Research (Evaluating and Annotating)

In this stage, students will delve into their topics, assess the credibility of their sources, and take detailed notes on their findings. They will also draft a works cited or references page as part of their practice.

Week 1: Research Proposal (Topic and Questions)

Too often, courses prompt students to draft thesis statements before conducting research. As a professional writer, I can attest to the importance of establishing a topic and related questions before formulating a thesis. This phase allows students to engage in formal writing using APA or MLA templates, which I believe are essential skills.

Throughout the course, instructional content and support materials will align with the specific steps students are taking in their research projects. You can modify the final paper's length to fit your course requirements, whether it needs to be 5-7 or 8-10 pages or longer. The culminating assignments, including the proposal and annotated research, also count as completed academic writing.

Remember: Writing is a skill that improves with practice! By prioritizing outcomes over seat time, we can empower students to achieve their goals, regardless of the time constraints they face.

Chapter 2: Unlock Your Scientific Secret

Explore the essentials of writing a journal article in this comprehensive 5-hour course.

Chapter 3: Weekend Research Paper Writing

Learn effective strategies for completing a research paper over the weekend with this insightful guide.

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