S. Rose

English 680 Writing Program Administration

Fall 2005

Shadowing

Some Notes on Expectations for those of you "shadowing" a WPA: (one of the course projects options)

Initial Data Gathering

1. Your focus should be on the WPA's activities, though you may want to do some observation of the WPA's setting.

2. Discuss your purpose and approach with the WPA and determine when would be a good time to observe.

3. Plan to spend at six to eight hours observing--a "day in the life of …"

4. Plan to spend at least an hour in follow-up discussion with the WPA once you've finished the observation.

Write-Up (Draft)

5. Your write-up should include the following parts (1000-1500 words)

1. Brief explanation of your choice of subject and approach to observation
2. Initial analysis and classification of WPA's activities
3. Tentative thesis/hypothesis characterizing WPA's activities
4. Speculation on ways your observations could contribute to better understanding of writing program administration
5. Suggestions for one or more ways in which the project might be extended (comparison, elaboration, etc.)

Follow-up

6. Give the WPA subject a copy of your draft for review; if appropriate, meet to discuss it.

7. If appropriate, revise write-up.

8. Schedule a presentation to class or prepare a web document (if choosing this option).

9. Final draft of the shadowing report is due with the course portfolio. I encourage you to allow me to review a preliminary draft.

10. In a brief cover memo, suggest changes to this assignment in the future.

What questions do you have about this assignment?