Henderson, Fiona and McWilliams, Alan (2011) A Writing Circle to Enhance Engagement with the Discipline of Management. In: Forging new directions in language and learning: The Tenth Biennial Conference of the Association for Academic Language and Learning, Wed, 24 Nov 2011 - Fri, 25 Nov 2011, Hawke Building, City West campus, UniSA, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.

Abstract

Transition into any subject discipline is a gradual and often sub-conscious process, students’ stress can be heightened by discipline specific language requirements. Student writing is a problematic area; students present with very diverse writing skills and many fail to recognise areas for improvement in their own writing (Henderson & McWilliams 2008); academic staff are likely to suggest that students seek formal support, which is perceived by students in a negative light. A peer-mediated approach can help students recognise areas for improvement in their own writing (Van der Meer, 2008) and see how the writing process is developmental and incremental over the course of their studies. The idea of a club which is inclusive of all undergraduate year levels and a range of the Management subjects can support student transition regardless of their entry point as well as their engagement with the Management discipline. Participation in the writing club would help with both the knowledge and discipline specific language development. The VU experience (Best 2009, 2010) has shown that from engagement at a discipline level, students build a wider social network which can help students understand the value of and develop their business networking skills. For international students the writing club will allow the development of social networks with local students. This innovative project seeks to adapt existing models of peer mediated learning to meet the needs of Management students.

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