Improving Student Learning Outcomes: Teaching Effectiveness, Pedagogy and Savannah State University

Abstract

This inquiry led panel presentation will focus on Savannah State University\u27s proactive attempts at improving student learning outcomes through its newly published The Savannah State University\u27s Writing in the Disciplines Guide (2009), a text which is the direct interdisciplinary result of a continuous transformation of an academic community and culture. The Guide provides SSU students with discipline-specific approaches to writing for any course taken over the course of their degree. This panel presentation will reflect upon the combined successes of the Guide and the writing center, but also the challenges of faculty buy-in to the Guide . An interactive portion of the presentation will underscore the self-doubt that many students experience about their own writing, a reality that many faculty have forgotten about. Attendees will learn how to construct their own Writing in the Disciplines Guide with the support of an on-campus writing center and a dedicated publisher