Dissertation Writing Groups

Dissertation Writing Groups

Sometimes working towards your dissertation can feel like a long and lonely process. At times it can be beneficial to talk with someone about what you are writing. But as a dissertation writer, finding knowledgeable, helpful, interested readers can be a challenge. If you are interested in finding others who feel the same way you do, the Writing Center and Graduate School may be able to help.

The Writing Center and the Graduate School are pleased to announce the formation of Dissertation Writing Groups. Writers groups for dissertators are new to Temple, but many other universities offer them, and students who participate say that they make dissertation writing more efficient, effective, and satisfying. In a recent New York Times article, dissertation writing groups were cited as a way to shorten the length of time it takes to complete a dissertation (see http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/education/03education.html ).

What is a writing group?

A writing group is a group of 4-6 people who meet regularly to share their work-in-progress and to give and receive feedback. Graduate students have high expectations for quality research and writing and a need for ongoing support throughout the dissertation process. Dissertation Writing Groups provide graduate student writers a community of writers and several complementary types of support, including

•  Feedback on writing

•  Encouragement to set and accomplish goals

•  Resources for resolving conflict and solving problems

•  Aid in overcoming "writer's block" and other writing challenges

•  Contacts for writing partners

What occurs in a writing group?

Writing Center staff help the group identify needs and organize agendas, as well as provide resources to the group and members as needed. Group members provide each other with interdisciplinary writing feedback and peer support for setting goals, solving problems, and working efficiently and effectively as writer-researchers.

Who should participate?

The writers groups are open to Temple doctoral students from any college or department. The only requirement is that participants must be working on their prospectus/proposal or dissertation.

How do I join?

The first step is to go to www.temple.edu/writingctr/dissertationwriting/writinggroup_application.htm and fill out the Application form. Once we have received your application, we will match you with a set of writers whose needs and questions are similar to yours. We will help you organize your first meeting. After that, you'll take over, deciding how often to meet and what you want to accomplish at each meeting. Along the way, you can use the Writing Center to provide you with additional resources you might need.

Questions, contact Rebekah Buchanan at 215-204-0703 or rebekahb@temple.edu for more information.

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