by Rose Kundanis

The Guide (Keene State College Guide to Writing 2000-2001) is one of my required texts for Introduction to Mass Media (JRN 200) and Children and the Media (Comm 250). The teaching of writing is integral to the courses I teach and The Guide provides a customized look at writing for journalism and communication courses. I use the Guide in four parts of the process: explaining documentation, providing models, peer editing and rewarding student work.

In explaining how to write a research paper I provide my own documentation exercise and follow it up with references in The Guide. I have found the chart showing the differences between paraphrasing and quoting especially helpful.

In addition, I have student sample papers from previous semesters in The Guide which can then model that exercise for current students. Not only do the students get to see a model from another KSC student, but they also can see that student work is published.

After the first draft is completed, I direct students to "A Guide for Self-Evaluation" and "A Guide for Peer Evaluation." While I use my own peer edit sheet customized for each assignment, I can get students to prepare for the in class peer edit with these readings. After their peer edits, they are required to meet with a writing tutor at the Writing Center.

Finally, The Guide provides the opportunity to reward good student work. By choosing new samples from current students, I can encourage students in their writing by requesting that selected students submit their work for the next edition of The Guide.