What’s a Conference?
A conference is a brief meeting during which you and I will discuss the initial draft of your paper. I’ll tell you what I notice as the strong and weak points of your draft, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask me questions about your draft.
Why Conference?
You and I discussing your paper provides better feedback than me commenting on a draft. Speaking is faster than writing, and you can ask questions while I’m speaking, so you not only receive more feedback, but also more precise feedback, as you can control the advice. If I just wrote a paragraph about your paper, you wouldn’t be able to do that. Additionally, during a conference we can cover a wider range of your paper’s strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully, you’ll be less likely to only address specific examples and apply our discussion to your entire draft.
How does a Conference Work?
- Show Up—you’ll have a choice of an in-person conference or a zoom conference. Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to arrive to your conference on time. Give yourself time to get on zoom or to get to campus and my office (and find my office). As you’ll notice on the conference schedule, I’m meeting with many students, and I won’t make others wait because you were late.
- Pay Attention—don’t have text conversation during our conference; don’t show up high (both of these things have happened). Consider the situation: the person who will be evaluating your Writing Project is telling you how to improve your draft. It’s in your best interest to listen.
- Ask Questions—I’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses as I see them, focusing on the most important elements first. However, you may already have an idea of your weaknesses and have specific problems that I don’t cover. Ask me for feedback. If I haven’t answered all your questions, ask them. You should have questions; this is a sign that you’re thinking about what your writing, which will help you be a stronger writer.
- Take Notes—None of this will matter if you don’t take notes. Even if you pay attention and ask questions, you will probably forget details of our conversation if you don’t take notes. Not because you’re poor students, but because you’re busy people, probably juggling many courses and activities. Take notes so you have a guide for your revision process.
