Can Collaboration Change Writing Beliefs? A Qualitative Study on Community College Developmental Writing Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Creative Approaches to Foster Learning in the College Classroom

Abstract

Developmental writing courses aim to prepare students for college-level writing. These courses are particularly salient in community colleges wherein almost 60% of entering students are referred to developmental courses. Of concern is that developmental writers often struggle to engage, persist, and succeed in developmental writing courses and beyond. Research suggests that positive beliefs about writing may enhance motivation to engage, persist, and succeed in writing courses. However, there is little research on instructional strategies that facilitate positive writing beliefs. The research herein examines one such strategy: collaborative writing. Specifically, the study examines community college students’ experiences in a developmental writing class that includes collaborative writing and explores the relationship between collaborative writing and students’ writing beliefs.

Author

• Monica D'Antonio, Montgomery County Community College