Session 1A: Empowering First-Year Student Success: Using Research-DrivenTools to Improve Critical Thinking and Writing
Type of Session
Panel Discussion
Abstract
In this dynamic session, Collin College English faculty Gary Wilson and Steven Risso unveil recent findings from cutting-edge peer-reviewed studies that spotlight the five most persistent critical thinking and writing challenges faced by first-year college writers—and reveal proven, high-impact strategies to overcome them. Students often wrestle with distinguishing fact from opinion, crafting focused thesis statements with logical flow, synthesizing multiple sources into cohesive arguments, reflecting meaningfully during revision, and grasping academic language and genre norms.
To transform these obstacles into solutions to enhance student success, Professors Rizzo and Wilson will introduce workable and practical classroom-ready tools including:
- Argument mapping and outline templates for building clear, compelling essays
- Guided workflows for smoothly integrating research into writing
- Reflective portfolios with targeted prompts for revision
- Multimedia strategies that boost engagement and bridge skills with creativity
Session 1A: Empowering First-Year Student Success: Using Research-DrivenTools to Improve Critical Thinking and Writing
J-106
In this dynamic session, Collin College English faculty Gary Wilson and Steven Risso unveil recent findings from cutting-edge peer-reviewed studies that spotlight the five most persistent critical thinking and writing challenges faced by first-year college writers—and reveal proven, high-impact strategies to overcome them. Students often wrestle with distinguishing fact from opinion, crafting focused thesis statements with logical flow, synthesizing multiple sources into cohesive arguments, reflecting meaningfully during revision, and grasping academic language and genre norms.
To transform these obstacles into solutions to enhance student success, Professors Rizzo and Wilson will introduce workable and practical classroom-ready tools including:
- Argument mapping and outline templates for building clear, compelling essays
- Guided workflows for smoothly integrating research into writing
- Reflective portfolios with targeted prompts for revision
- Multimedia strategies that boost engagement and bridge skills with creativity