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This video presents a workshop in which Dr. Monique Akassi, Director of Morgan State University's Writing Center, teaches students to code switch and code mix from Ebonics to English. Dr. Akassi stresses how code switching and mixing can help students write in English and incorporate both languages in their writing.

from abstract: "in keeping with theory and practice of tutor training in inquiry-based pedagogy, ELL students and peer tutors vacillate between the linguistic dominant position, indicating that participants establish a collaborative and egalitarian environment. However, L1 tutors may experience dissonance because the agenda set by ELL students often focuses on surface features such as grammar and diction rather than on global revisions" (36).

ABSTRACT: "This paper reports the results of a study comparing the interactional dynamics of face-to-face and on-line peer-tutoring in writing by university students in Hong Kong. Transcripts of face-to-face tutoring sessions, as well as logs of on-line sessions conducted by the same peer-tutors, were coded for speech functions using a system based on Halliday's functional-semantic view of dialogue.Results show considerable differences between the interactional dynamics in on-line and face-to-face tutoring sessions. In particular, face-to-face interactions involved more hierarchal encounters in which tutors took control of the discourse, whereas on-line interactions were more egalitarian, with clients controlling the discourse more. Differences were also found in the topics participants chose to focus on in the two modes, with issues of grammar, vocabulary, and style taking precedence in face-to-face sessions and more "global" writing concerns like content and process being discussed more in on-line sessions." "

A guide for "Higher Education students in the UK, including non-native speakers." Topics cover a variety of grammar, style, and cultural concerns.

book announcement, report on grammar workbooks, report on faculty outreach; "Questions Which Need Answers," a questionnaire for directors covering scope of writing labs, staff, problems, materials, financing, details of operation, evaluation; mailing list

From Praxis: "The Merciless Grammarian spews his wrath on nasty problems of grammar, mechanics, and style."

a discussion of directive vs. non-directive methods and other techniques for working with developmental writers

discussion of how to assess tutors' abilities when making hiring decisions

a discussion of the top five reasons students visit the writing center

see also: http://lyris.ttu.edu/read/messages?id=24510401

crowdsourcing a list of sources for decorations

discussing whether student writing skills have deteriorated over time, and how to discuss student skills with faculty

An extensive list of bibliographies on topics related to writing program administration

updates on lab classrooms, interdisciplinary writing, learning skills centers; mailing list

Discussing the use of the singular "they," issues of number and agreement, gender, etc.