Centenary Offers Peer Writing Collaboratory

Hackettstown's Centenary College has expanded its writing program, offering a peer-to-peer writing collaboratory for current students.

The following information is from a press release provided by Centenary College.

Centenary College has opened a new peer-to-peer center called the Writing Collaboratory for Centenary students recently. 

“The goal of the Writing Collaboratory is to help people become better writers, in general, instead of helping them with writing a better paper for a specific course,” says Dr. Richard Sévère, Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Writing Collaboratory.  “We want people who seek our assistance to become more confident writers and address techniques that will enable them to do so.”

The students who work in the Writing Collaboratory have completed a 16-week Writing Tutor Practicum course on writing center theory, teacher writing pedagogy and have been trained to work with second language learners.  The students will also conduct workshops on various topics, such as resume writing and computer quick reference tips.  The peer tutor position is a paid opportunity. 

The Writing Collaboratory is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and students receive 30-minute consultation appointments with their peers.  Students who utilize this service can expect to experience a collaborative environment that will not only help students become more effective writers, but will make them aware of various writing strategies, promote critical thinking and will embrace diverse perspectives.

“I was interested in this opportunity because I am studying Education and English and was intrigued by the idea of teaching my peers to become better writers and feel much more comfortable about the writing process,” says Amanda Stevens.  “I also feel that this experience will help me become a better teacher when I graduate.”

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.