Roundtable: Writing Assignments in Criminal Justice Courses

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Writing is a skill that is crucial to success in college and careers after graduation. At the same time, most students hate to write and fear writing assignments such as research papers. This panel will focus on the use of writing assignments in criminal justice courses. Participants will discuss the various types of writing assignments such as research papers, thought pieces, reaction appears, policy proposals, and reports that they assign in their courses. They will also consider writing assignments that can be completed during class sessions and that can be used to stimulate class discussions. The panel will also take up the issue of formulating and structuring major writing assignments such as research papers in way that lessens students’ anxieties and that facilitates completion of the project. The final topic will be how instructors can use grading and feedback to help make students better writers.

Sub Unit

• Area XIII: Roundtable Sessions

Chair

• Daniel Price, Westfield State University

Discussants

• Tom Roscoe, Westfield State University

• Vic Ascolillo, Westfield State University

• Johh Jones, Westfield State University

• Dallam Murphy Audrelee, Westfield State University

• Kim Tobin, Westfield State University

• Francis Olive, III, Worcester State University