Writing Groups

Background

In this section, we provide a little bit more background about Writing Groups.

1. We introduce the concept and organisation of writing groups within an academic course, aimed at enhancing participants' writing skills.

2. It details the grouping strategy, aiming for 4-6 members per group, ideally from similar disciplines, to foster relevant and efficient feedback.

3. The course is designed with practicality in mind, encouraging participants to work on their actual PhD content, making the exercise directly beneficial.

4. Flexibility in meeting times is emphasised, allowing groups to choose when and how they meet, including online platforms, to accommodate various schedules.

5. The peer review process is outlined as a cycle of draft submission, feedback reception, group discussion, and revision, aimed at continuous improvement.

6. Peer review focuses on various aspects including content clarity, rhetorical approach, genre adherence, and linguistic choices, enhancing the quality of writing.

7. The benefits for writers include increased audience awareness, ownership of text, a positive attitude towards writing, and insight into personal writing and revision processes.

8. The concept of "voice" in scientific writing is discussed, encouraging participants to develop a unique voice and self-expression through peer interactions.

9. The role of the discourse community in the feedback process is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of global evaluation and quality reviews for community standards.

10. The video concludes by affirming the competency of all participants to provide valuable feedback, based on their expertise and experience as readers and researchers in their fields.

In your group, open up and answer some of these questions

Goal Setting

1. What are your main goals for participating in writing groups? Consider both short-term objectives (e.g., improving a specific section of your paper) and long-term aspirations (e.g., enhancing your overall writing skills).

Strategic Planning

1. What specific steps will you take to ensure your writing aligns with the disciplinary standards and expectations discussed in the video?

Self-Monitoring

1. Identify potential challenges you might face in this collaborative writing process. How will you address these challenges to maintain your progress?

Motivation and Emotional Regulation

1. What motivates you to participate actively in your writing group? How does this motivation influence your engagement with the tasks?

2. Writing and receiving feedback can sometimes be emotionally challenging. How will you manage negative emotions or setbacks to maintain a positive and productive attitude towards your writing and the feedback process?