% COMP 150TW: Summary of Midterm Evaluations
% The Engineering Method of Technical Writing
% October 28, 2016


### Aspects of the course that enhance learning

Multiple mentions:

  - Group discussions [4 students]

  - Seeing our own work used as examples in class [3 students]

  - Seeing other people's writing; getting peer feedback [2 students]

  - Exercises, especially on specific editing skills [3 students]

  - Assigned exercises, which blend well with daily life

  - The lab notebook, which forces me to reflect on what I just did,
    further clarifying what I'm understanding and what's working [2 students]

  - The encouragement of regular practice; being forced to write [2 students]

  - Using regular practice to discover what works best in a student's
    daily routine

  - The pace of the class, which allows time to assimilate ideas and
    to practice (one class per week allows in-depth learning to happen
    and to have great substance) [2 students]


Single mentions:

  - Class time going in depth into principles applied on assignments
    (can acknowledge difficulties as well as share viewpoints and
    epiphanies) 

  - Gaining mindfulness (also helps with research and other work)

  - The quieting response (focus on a good memory and smile)

  - The ideas, skills, and exercises, which help with other classes and projects

  - The assigned readings (viewed as valuable, especially Williams)

  - Guided reading

  - Keeping a portfolio to track progress

  - Helps me create time to write and think about my project

  - The course handbook (teaches the methods)

  - My peers, who let me feel comfortable with writing and confident
    of writing

  - The [ACTION] emails, which help stay on track with tasks

  - Seeing the instructor's solutions

  - Talking to the instructor

### Things that could improve learning

Multiple mentions:

  - Consolidating email announcements with the course calendar [2 students]

  - Knowing beforehand how work will be evaluated

  - Clarify expectations for writing outside of the assigned practice

  - Do more writing

  - Do more prewriting and try different types of prewriting

  - More guidance from the instructor on prewriting



Single mentions:

  - Using Williams's techniques in greater depth

  - More focus (course appears to meander in terms of concepts learned)

  - More targeted feedback (though that may be happening anyway)

  - Inviting Donna Qualters back to teach another session in the
    spring

  - Pair homework (e.g., trade editing)

  - Get thoughts or feedback on writing success and practice from
    people (instructors, colleagues, or peers) outside the class

  - More help developing good habits, especially in the face of other
    responsibilities 

  - Exercises which do not assume that my writing project is at a
    certain stage

  - Utilize Piazza more or better

  - Extra help for international students

  - Knowing the instructor's office hours

Things that are not possible at this time:

  - A smaller classroom

  - A better version of Boice (which would be short and concrete and
    not drag on)



### Things students could do 

  - Be more active on Piazza; respond to requests there [3 students]

  - Get to know each other; share writing, thoughts, feelings, and
    experiences; meet regularly with a group [3 students]

  - Share small bits of progress outside of class

  - Share revisions with before/after examples [2 students]

  - Continue to have well balanced, intellectual discussions in class

  - Continue to facilitate healthy and equal discussion

  - Volunteer students' own writing for analysis and discussion

  - When struggling with a concept, speak up early and often

  - Arrive on time

  - Help set up the classroom (board, chairs)

  - Read syllabus more thoroughly