The way for WIP TAs to teach the writing process and thus to provide outstanding support for WIP faculty is, we believe, to be trained as are WIP faculty and to learn first-hand the theory and research that supports writing in the disciplines. The WIP pre- seminar (August) introduces this material and the logistics of supporting a writing intensive course. ENGL 6910, a 3-hour S/U course for which all WIP TAs must register (Fall semester), elaborates WIP theory and the practical issues of applying it in various courses. Learning sessions continue for WIP TAs in bi-weekly staff meetings (Spring). In addition to reading and discussing writing in the disciplines scholarship WIP TAs prepare brief informal presentations to fine tune their teaching and provide a series of field reports that describe how writing intensive instruction works in the courses they support.  

Using the WIP Web site and guides 
All WIP assistants should be familiar with the WIP Web site. It is the main information source for the program, as well as for ENGL 6910. 

Again, the best way for in-coming WIP TAs to learn about the program is to print Faculty, Student, and TA guides and to interpret them in the context of the courses you are supporting. 

The few, the proud, the brave . . . 
As you already know, the Writing Intensive Program selects teaching assistants who believe that writing is important, who demonstrate effective communication skills, who have a more sophisticated than usual understanding of the writing process, who show promise in working with others and leadership in problem solving. Though not always possible, we make special efforts to assign discipline-specific teaching assistants or assistants whose academic backgrounds are compatible with the courses they will be supporting. However, even if you are assigned to a course outside your field, your perspective and feedback will greatly help students with their writing, and the training you receive as a WIP TA will make your feedback even more effective. 

Granted, your role and responsibilities as a WIP TA probably require more sophistication and training than a traditional assistantship. However, your WIP assistantship offers you special advantages that will show up in your own writing and teaching, as well as in other professional endeavors that require writing process management and working together on communication tasks. 

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Franklin College

Department of English

Michelle Ballif