Poster Paper:
Differences in Text-Based Analytical Writing across Four Levels of Community College Composition Courses
Friday, March 9, 2018
Burkle Lobby, First Floor (Burkle Family Building at Claremont Graduate University)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Writing is a critical lifelong skill that can impact students’ academic and
economic trajectories, particularly for those who are underprepared. Despite
national efforts to accelerate underprepared community college students through
the composition sequence to transfer-level courses, it is not known whether these
efforts provide students with the instruction and support needed to succeed. In this
preliminary study, a writing assessment was administered to students in four
levels of composition courses. Papers were analyzed across levels and compared
with the writing of secondary students on the same assessment. Four features of
high-scoring papers were identified. Further analysis may suggest direction for
targeted instruction at both the college and secondary levels.
