For my first enrichment activity I chose to attend a Writing Center workshop called “Interpreting Assignments.” The Writing Center, which is located on the eighth floor, had a separate conference room for everyone to sit in a circle. The consultant asked each of us why we decided to attend the workshop and there were various answers of wondering how it could benefit the student, or just wanting a refresher course on how to approach assignments given by professors.
She began by giving us a worksheet with instructions from a professor and asked the group to decipher what the professor was asking the students to do. We went over how to narrow down what the professor was asking for and what most professors want when it comes to writing papers or other assignments. Professors want clarity, explanations, accessible language, and of course, effort. We were also handed a guide to approaching assignments. For example, when the professor asks to “discuss,” they are asking to, “consider something specific…and explain whether you agree or disagree…and contribute to the discussion in a meaningful way.” The consultant also went over what resources were available to us which included the Writing Center, which is a free resource for all students as part of the student fees. Other resources include the Reference Library, professors themselves, and other classmates.
I personally learned many helpful tips that I could use when it comes time to write papers and smaller assignments in all subjects, and had a refresher course on things that I could’ve forgotten during the summer. The consultant also helpfully informed me that the Writing Center has appointments for 50 minutes or walk in hours in the library just in case anyone wants to come in for some help going over a first draft but for a shorter time. I feel this is a skill I can take with me throughout all my years at Baruch.
