Mind the gap: Exploring the potential of writing centers as vehicles of social transformation for underserved student groups

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

At the postsecondary level, the challenges of joining academic discourse communities, particularly through writing, represent a critical gap in academic literacy performance. To help fill the gap between what students are expected to write and what they are prepared to write, most institutions of higher learning provide free writing support at a writing center. Through our positions at three different writing centers, we explore three educational gaps related to academic literacies.

Content Area

• Area 6: Adolescent, College, and Adult Literacy Processes

Chair

• Carrie Aldrich, University of Iowa

Discussant

• Benjamin Niedbalski, Kirkwood Community College

Individual Presentations

• Understanding the Enculturation Gap in Graduate Student Writing - Carrie Aldrich, University of Iowa

• Closing the Gap in Academic Writing: The Community College Writing Center as Site for Social Change - Angie Miller, Kirkwood Community College

• The gap between “good” intentions” and reality for student writers with “invisible” disabilities - Amanda Gallogly, University of Iowa