Experiences With Writing Topical Module
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This module is the result of an ongoing collaboration between NSSE and the Council of Writing Program Administrators. The questions touch on three aspects of good writing assignments—interactivity, meaning-making, and clarity. It complements questions on the core survey about how much writing students do, the nature of their course assignments, and perceived gains in written expression.
For the purpose of these questions, a writing assignment is broadly defined to include not only written papers, but also lab reports, multimedia projects, blogs, online discussions, posters, PowerPoint presentations, and so on.
1. During the current school year, for how many writing assignments have you done the following?
Response options: All writing assignments, Most writing assignments, Some writing assignments, Few writing assignments, No writing assignments
a. Talked with a classmate, friend, or family member to develop your ideas before starting your assignment
b. Received feedback from a classmate, friend, or family member about a draft before turning in your final assignment
c. Given feedback to a classmate about a draft or outline
d. Summarized material you read such as articles, books, or online publications
e. Analyzed or evaluated something you read, researched, or observed
f. Described your methods or findings related to data you collected in lab or field work, a survey project, etc.
g. Argued a position using evidence and reasoning
h. Explained in writing the meaning of numerical or statistical data
i. Written in the style and format of a specific field (engineering, history, psychology, etc.)
j. Addressed a real or imagined audience such as your classmates, a politician, non-experts, etc.
2. During the current school year, for how many of your writing assignments have your instructors done the following?
Response options: All writing assignments, Most writing assignments, Some writing assignments, Few writing assignments, No writing assignments
a. Provided clear instructions describing what they wanted you to do
b. Explained in advance what they wanted you to learn
c. Explained in advance the criteria they would use to grade your assignment
