WAC DVD: Available Now!


By Masako Kato and Carrie Pitzulo

Shot and edited by the WAC fellows at MEC (2004-05),under the guidance of Nancy Lester and Noreen Hosier, this brief film presents the experiences of both teachers and students who have participated in the WAC at MEC project. In the film, teachers reflect on challenges within their classroom and discuss how integrating writing-to-learn has allowed them to transform their own pedagogy. Dr. Keming Liu (English) points out, “[Students] are always waiting for the teacher to give them a question so they can answer it. This way you’re asking them to take charge.” Another professor explains his transition from a “teacher-centered” approach to a more “student-centered” method, while one teacher observes that incorporating writing into her classroom has contributed to her own growth and learning.

Professors also discuss how WAC concepts, such as writing-to-learn, and other tools, can be used in the classroom. The film shows, for example, how writing helps students organize and clarify their thoughts and ideas, and inspires larger classroom discussion. One math student notes that writing-to-learn “helped my learning not only in math, but in my entire college life.”