Research in Writing to Learn (WTL) consistently demonstrates that reflective writing can support students’ learning in multiple ways. This teaching table will review examples of (WTL) assignments and highlight two approaches from the presenters.

Director of University Writing Jenn Lutman will share an assignment she calls students’ “WRDs” (Writing, Reading, & Discussion reflections), an in-class practice in which students handwrite responses to prompts designed to help them clarify each day’s learning outcomes. These entries accumulate in a graded journal, offering insight into students’ engagement and creating a record of how their thinking evolves across the semester.

Emilio Spadola, associate professor of anthropology, and Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, will discuss his recently developed ...