Learning Strategies, Study Skills, & Paired Courses - College ...

Writer’s Self-Assessment Survey
Description
When students come to the Success Center for help in writing an essay, I ask: "What concerns or
problems do you have?" Instead of telling me what's on their mind, they often say, "Well, I was
hoping that you could tell me what's wrong and show me how to fix it." Though many new
students intuitively know that they need help, because of their inexperience with writing they
cannot find the words to explain the specific type of help that they need.
Since confidence comes from solving one's own problems, I ask them to take ownership of their
papers by completing a brief “Writer's Self-Assessment Survey.” The survey contains 10 writing
questions, such as: "Do you understand the assignment?" "Do you have problems with
organization?" "Is writing a thesis statement a concern?"
By the time students have finished their surveys, they usually know what problems they will
encounter. Then, at the end of the session I give students a handout, "How to Ask for and
Receive Writing Feedback," to assist them with preparing for their second tutoring session.
Contributor
Cecilia Torres Best, Instructional Specialist, Chaffey College, CA (Cecilia.Best@chaffey.edu)
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