English 103: Roundtable Discussion
Our Final Class and Assignment
Key Elements of a Roundtable Discussion (AEA)
Speak clearly, offer your personal insights, and encourage questions and discussion. Take advantage of Dr. Benn's expertise and other attendees' insights. When others are presenting ideas or posing prompts, take notes to ensure that you are giving quality feedback. Other attendees may ask questions that you have also considered; be sure to write down feedback that could apply to your own research.
How to Prepare for Our Roundtable Discussion
- Gauge Where You Are in The Writing Process:
Be prepared to share your topic, a (general) thesis, and supporting facts. What are your research questions? What are some figurative "speed bumps" that you've hit? Have you found effective peer-reviewed sources?
Hint: Bring notes!
- Consider What You Can Gain from Peer and Teacher Feedback:
Think of it this way: You can get individualized feedback without attending office hours! You have an esteemed professor and a Writing Studio tutor at your service. Moreover, you can hear more than just one opinion. Twenty-two perspectives are always better than two.
Since you are receiving this invite in advance, take a few minutes to write down any questions that you have. You may want to ask "small picture" questions, like how to handle indirect quotations in in-text citations. You should also ask "big picture" questions, like how to develop a broad research idea or how to fine-tune keyword searches on databases. As always, it is better to be specific than broad; asking whether a research topic is "good" is less effective than asking about a specific aspect of the topic.
Where to Find Lauren (Or a Tutor) During Finals' Week
Final Paper Push at The Writing Studio
Join us for one-on-one tutoring, free snacks, coffee, and a quiet study space!
December 2 - 6
Monday - Thursday: 1:00 - 9:00PM
Friday: 1:00 - 5:00PM
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Lauren's Availability
Since finals' week is wacky, and since I have 18 credits' worth of exams, my office hours will be tentative and based upon student needs. Thus, if you need help, do not hesitate to e-mail or call me: (570) 350-7938.
Be sure to contact me in advance, as I may have to move my schedule around.
E-mail Conferencing
I am willing to review papers over e-mail if schedules conflict. (With that being said, I much prefer meeting in person; always try to meet for an office hour before resorting to e-mail.) When sending an e-mail, attach a Microsoft Word document of your latest draft that I can add comments on. Moreover, direct me to specific passages that are a concern. Vague questions--like "Is this good?"--actually hinder productivity.
Group Workshop Idea
If you and a few friends want me to review your final research papers before submission, you can all come to The Writing Studio lounge together (at a time that we decide upon).