Why Do Twin Cities Students Struggle with Academic Writing In College?

There are many reasons why students don’t write well in college; the first of these reasons is that secondary school systems in the Twin Cities have watered-downed writing curricula and students that make it to advanced placement classes or take university classes in high school are an elite few creating another disparity; but still, they struggle too - ask any local university program - some of our scholars in college have 2.0 G.P.A.s simply because they did not learn academic writing in high school.  

 By Don Allen, M.A. Ed./MAT  (Editorial Opinion) (Inserted photo is my Grammarly overview from June 18-25)

     Academic writing is essential for success in college and beyond. However, Twin Cities students often face significant challenges when it comes to mastering this skill. There are several reasons why students struggle with academic writing in college, including limited access to resources, inadequate preparation in high school, and a lack of exposure to diverse writing styles. One of the primary reasons why Twin Cities students struggle with academic writing is the limited access to resources. Many schools lack proper funding and are unable to provide students with the necessary tools for effective writing. These schools often have outdated textbooks, insufficient library resources, teachers that don't have the skillsets or passion, and limited access to technology. Without these resources, students may struggle to develop their writing skills and produce high-quality academic papers.

     Furthermore, inadequate preparation in high school contributes to the struggles faced by Twin Citiesstudents in college-level writing. Due to overcrowded classrooms and a focus on standardized testing, many high schools neglect to teach critical thinking skills and advanced writing techniques. As a result, when these students enter college, they find themselves ill-equipped to meet the rigorous demands of academic writing. Additionally, a lack of exposure to diverse writing styles further hinders students' ability to excel at academic writing in college. Sometimes,  communities often have limited cultural diversity compared to suburban or rural areas. This lack of exposure can limit their understanding of different perspectives and hinder their ability to write effectively about complex topics. To address these challenges faced by students in academic writing, it is crucial for educational institutions and policymakers alike to take action. Schools should prioritize providing adequate resources such as updated textbooks, well-stocked libraries, and access to technology that can support student learning. Additionally, high schools should incorporate comprehensive writing programs into their curriculum that emphasize critical thinking skills and expose students to various forms of literature.

     Several factors contribute to why university students struggle with academic writing. Limited access to resources, inadequate preparation in high school, and a lack of exposure to diverse writing styles all play significant role. By addressing these issues using great teachers, curriculum changes, and increased cultural exposure, we can help students overcome these challenges and succeed in their academic writing endeavors.

My Solution -  A Writing Seminar 

My Writing Seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to secondary and university writing practices and purposes in order to develop knowledge and skill that position students for success —and thus for success in future university courses that require writing. Student writing is at the center of course instruction. Students develop skills in generating and gathering ideas for a paper, drafting, revising, and editing. Students share their writing with others in the class (peers and instructor), receive frequent feedback from the instructor and peers, and read and respond carefully to their classmates' work. 

At the successful conclusion of this seminar, students will be able to do the following: 

• Understand writing assignments and craft effective, relevant approaches in response 

• Practice prewriting, planning, drafting, organizing, revising, editing, and proofreading so that those steps and their recursive nature are part of the writing process 

• Craft thesis statements for a paper and topic sentences for paragraphs that clearly indicate the direction of ideas; focus, develop, and organize claims and evidence to flesh out an argument 

• Distinguish between popular and scholarly sources, and evaluate the credibility of sources; summarize, paraphrase, quote appropriately, and cite sources accurately and ethically. 

• Provide constructive comments on peer drafts during the revision process; integrate feedback from peers and the instructor in final drafts. 

• Consistently use complete, grammatically correct sentences; find and eliminate errors in usage and mechanics. 

• Develop a vocabulary to discuss a writer's rhetorical choices; learn about the literal, connotative, and expressive potential of language and use that learning to guide word choices. 

• Identify an author’s audience, purpose, argument, and assumptions; develop critical reading skills. 

• Demonstrate by participation in class discussion that writing, like learning, is an ongoing and shared endeavor. 

Minnesota is known for its strong education system, commitment to academic excellence, and Achievement Gap. However, there is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to academic writing skills. That's where my style of academic writing seminars can make a significant impact. My Writing Seminars focus on practical techniques that students can apply immediately. I believe in teaching through hands-on activities and real-life examples rather than relying solely on theoretical concepts. By engaging students in interactive exercises and discussions, they will better understand the writing process and how to effectively communicate their ideas. The style of my seminars emphasizes individualized feedback and personalized attention. Each student has unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to writing, and it is crucial to address these areas specifically. By providing one-on-one feedback during the seminar sessions, I can help students identify their strengths while also guiding them toward improvement in areas that need work. Additionally, my seminars promote a collaborative learning environment. Students will have the opportunity to work together on group projects and peer reviews, fostering teamwork skills while also receiving diverse perspectives on their writing. This approach not only enhances critical thinking but also encourages open-mindedness among students.

Don’t be fooled by big-box writing companies, my style of academic writing seminars incorporates technology as a tool for learning. In today's digital age, it is essential for students to be proficient in using various online resources and tools for research and citation purposes. By integrating technology into the seminar curriculum, I can confidently equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape. The writing seminars I do offers practicality, individualized attention, collaboration opportunities, and technological integration - all crucial elements that will undoubtedly enhance Minnesota's education system further. With these benefits in mind, embracing this innovative approach will undoubtedly yield positive results for educators and students.