Writing Place Awards for Humanities Students

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The Writing Place, a unit of Teaching and Learning at UKZN, recently held its annual awards function for undergraduate students from the College of Humanities who had participated in a series of academic writing workshops this year.

The students who completed all three sessions of the workshop series each received a certificate of participation for full attendance and for getting involved in the workshops to improve their writing skills.

Writing Place Co-ordinator Ms Jessica Dore said the unit assisted undergraduate students from the College of Humanities with their academic writing skills through an emphasis on essay/assignment structure and understanding of academic concepts. Tutors consult with students on an individual basis at their Drop-in Centre in the EG Malherbe library and on a small group basis through their voluntary workshop series.

‘Our trained tutors guided students through a series of interactive workshops designed to assist them to understand essay questions, plan their essay structure, and construct a coherent argument, introduction and conclusion,‘ said Dore. ‘Students were also given tips on academic language, tone and correct referencing.’

About 1 000 Humanities students have utilised the services of the Writing Place for 2014. Dore also commended the workshop participants on being active and taking the initiative to improve themselves academically.

Guest speaker at the awards function, Ms Lindi Ngubane, a Psychologist at the College of Humanities Student Support Services, advised students to take up the various opportunities afforded by the Writing Place to become successful writers.

‘By improving your writing skills, you are able to get better results and will then be able to perform and excel in your choice of career. Those who come from rural schools, like me, find it that much harder to write academically but that is why the Writing Place exists to improve your writing abilities and this in turn will filter through to better verbal communication,’ said Ngubane.

Bachelor of Arts student Ms Stefani Mina described the Writing Place as being helpful to students who are struggling to write. ‘Since attending the writing workshops, my marks have improved dramatically. The tutors were all helpful and were able to effectively show me how to write properly. I would advise all students to attend these workshops. It really does make a difference to one’s marks.’

For more information contact the Writing Place Co-ordinator on dore@ukzn.ac.za or phone 031 260 2943/1590 during office hours.

Melissa Mungroo