Writing Place awards for College of Humanities Students

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The Writing Place (WP), a unit of Teaching and Learning at UKZN, recently held its end-of-year awards function for students from the College of Humanities who had participated in a series of academic writing workshops over the course of three weeks in the first and second semesters.

According to Writing Place co-ordinator, Ms Jessica Dore, a record number of 75 students from the College who participated in the full rigorous workshop received certificates of participation.

Dore said the Writing Place 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 understand essay questions, plan their essay structure, and construct a coherent argument, introduction and conclusion. Students were also given tips on academic language, tone and correct referencing.’

Guest speaker at the awards function, Director of the Centre for Women’s Leadership at MANCOSA, Dr Claudine Hingston, congratulated and commended the students for taking the initiative to improve their writing skills. ‘Writing is challenging, especially the transition to academic writing. I applaud you for acknowledging that you need help and for your commitment to improve your academic writing,’ she said.

Hingston also shared some of her tips on further improving writing skills. ‘Attend workshops and seminars and read as much academic writing as possible. Remember that writing is an invaluable skill and never give up. Work hard in all aspects of academia,’ she said.

Social science students Ms Siphenamhla Ngebe and Ms Nosipho Radebe described the workshop as ‘educational, hands-on and interactive.

‘Being a part of the workshop made me realise the importance of writing and being a critical thinker. I am now able to write more and to generate ideas for essay writing,’ said Ngebe.

Radebe added: ‘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 advise all students to attend these workshops - they really make a difference to one’s marks.’

For more information email the Writing Place co-ordinator at dore@ukzn.ac.za or phone 031 260 2943/2413 during office hours.

Melissa Mungroo