Consulting Offerings
I have two decades of experience facilitating writing across the curriculum (WAC) faculty development activities. I've facilitated workshops for faculty across disciplines, first-year composition teachers, and writing center tutors and consulted with university administrators, General Education committees, and writing task forces on the design and development of sustainable WAC programs.
Areas of expertise: writing assignment design, response to student writing, writing assessment, writing program development and leadership.
Types of Services
One to two hour workshop/presentation focused on one aspect of reading and writing. For example, time-saving techniques for responding to student writing.
Half-day workshop focused on one or more reading and writing topics, such as designing writing assignments or responding to student writing.
Full-day workshops can cover a wide range of reading and writing topics. For example, designing formal writing assignments and informal writing-to-learn assignments in the morning and designing reading assignments and responding to student writing in the afternoon.
Retreats typically occur over two to three days, and can cover a wide range of topics. Faculty retreats are an intensive experience, and faculty are often asked to create and share writing assignments and syllabi.
Consultations can be provided for institutions looking to create or further develop a Writing Across the Curriculum program. During a consultation I will meet with faculty and administrative stakeholders and prepare a report after my visit. A consultation can be done in conjunction with a scholarly talk and/or faculty development workshop(s).
*Consultations, workshops, and presentations are typically done face-to-face, but I can also provide virtual consultations and faculty development through Zoom or another platform.
Possible Workshop Topics
Designing Engaging Writing Assignments
Informal Writing Assignments: Writing to Learn
Teaching Research Projects
Helping Students Read Difficult Texts
Responding to Student Writing More Efficiently and Effectively
Successful Peer Response
Collaborative Learning and Group Projects
Designing and Using Rubrics
Meaningful Writing Assessment
Developing a Writing Across the Curriculum Program
What is Writing Across the Curriculum?
Consulting Experience
I've provided writing and reading across the curriculum workshops in the following contexts:
- Research universities, such as Stanford University, North Carolina State University, and University of Michigan
- Universities focused on teaching, such as Rhode Island College, Cal State Fullerton, and Arizona Western College
- Community colleges, such as Finger Lakes Community College, Southwestern Community College, and Sierra Community College
- High schools, such as New Community High School West Hills, Will Wood High School, Chavez High School, and Loyalton High School.
Video of My Talk and Workshop on Building Sustainable Writing Intensive Programs and Designing Writing Assignments for Arizona Western College
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K09vuenieQ&feature=youtu.be (WI talk ends and writing assignment workshop begins at 36 minutes)
Podcast interview for the University of Michigan's Sweetland Writing Center Topics in Writing podcast series
https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/graduates/fellows-seminar/topics-in-writing-podcast.html?fbclid=IwAR34cd_eSx6u6zj_u4XQdDoKZZQMMJxreZAjXgHnMPrBBrctzQSj2Ty0utk
Contact
Email me at dlmelzer@ucdavis to inquire about a consultation, workshop, or presentation.
