FAQs

Sections:

What do we do?
We help students discover and learn methods and strategies to help them become better writers and readers, and presenters.

We can help writers:

Get started with writing assignments by brainstorming, free writing, mapping, and cubing.
Discover their ideas.
Develop their papers with details, examples, and other rhetorical devices.
Organize their ideas logically and coherently so their paper is unified.
Identify grammatical error patterns and offer ways to self-correct them.
Self-identify methods and strategies for revising their writing.
By providing constructive feedback on their writing.

We can help readers:

Develop individualized strategies to increase the ease and speed at which they read
Develop and implement strategies for improving comprehension for all types of reading materials, from class-required texts to novels and non-fiction works read purely for enjoyment.

We can help presenters:

Select and narrow a topic.
Create and outline.
Research and cite sources.
Rehearsal of presentations.

Why do we do it?
Active learning in a collaborative, student-centered atmosphere empowers students and enhances learning.

How do we do it?
We do this dialogically. We ask, and we listen. They talk, they write, they read, and they learn.

Students learn:

What they want to say.
Why they want to say it.
How they can say it in the most effective way for their writing purpose and their readers.
How to read more quickly and effectively, while increasing their overall comprehension and enjoyment.

Who can visit the Writing, Reading, and Speech Assistance?
Students, faculty, and staff can come to the center for assistance with their writing, reading, and presentations. We assist with assignments in all subject areas and disciplines, not just English and Speech. We can assist developmental students and Honors students, too. We can also assist with MLA, CMS, and APA, documentation for research papers. In addition, our coaches can help with personal or professional writing, such as cover letters, and grant applications. Likewise, we assist students at all reading levels – from advanced students who want to learn to improve their comprehension to readers who need to learn or re-learn the basics. Furthermore, we coach students in the methods of effective preparation of speeches and class presentations.

How can a visit to the Writing, Reading, and Speech Assistance help me?
Our coaches will help you in all stages of the writing process. In addition, our coaches will work with you to develop strategies for improving your reading comprehension for both academic and personal purposes. After several visits, your confidence as a writer, reader, and presenter will be much stronger, and you will be able to work more independently.

What is a visit like?
You should arrive on time for your appointment. Please bring your assignment with you, and any other materials you need for the session.

A coach will greet you and ask you to fill out a Student Focus Sheet or Speech confirmation form. Then, the coach will ask you some questions about what you plan to accomplish.

A writing coach might begin the session by asking you a series of questions while jotting down your answers on a pad of paper. He or she might ask you to begin reading a portion of your paper so you can hear what you've written. Together, both of you will discuss your work as well as choices you have for improving it. The coach might ask you to jot down your ideas, or you'll brainstorm together to develop some new ones. Our coaches offer many strategies and solutions, whether you are just getting started or are polishing your final draft.

A reading coach might begin the session by asking you to read to determine the level of assistance you require. Then, you will work together to develop personalized strategies for improving your reading speed, accuracy, and overall comprehension. You will work together to complete exercises that will improve this important skill.

A speech consultant will ask you some questions about what you plan to accomplish and provide a non-threatening environment to practice your presentations, as well as, assist with topic selection, research, outlining, and organization of ideas.

At the close of your session, the coach will ask you to complete the Student Focus Sheet or Speech Confirmation form. You will receive a copy, so you have a record of the session, including what you worked on and accomplished. In addition, the Focus Sheet and Speech Confirmation form is an excellent source of information for you to share with your instructor to verify that you came in for assistance. We will use the yellow copy as a reference for your next visit.

Our goal during each session is for you to tell us what you would like to work on, so you can gain a better sense of yourself. Please remember that, in terms of writing assistance, we are not copy editors looking for errors. We won't write on your paper, either. Any writing on the paper is done by you.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your assignment information, brainstorming ideas, free writing or drafts, textbooks, and any other materials that pertain to it. Also, come prepared with any questions you'd like to ask.

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule your appointments online at cod.mywconline.com, or call (630) 942-3355 for appointments at all locations.

Do I have to make an appointment or can I walk in?
When you schedule an appointment, you are guaranteed that a coach will be available to work with you. If all of our coaches are working with a scheduled appointment, you can have a seat and when a coach is free, he or she will be happy to work with you.

When should I make an appointment?
You should make an appointment as soon as you have an assignment or are having difficulty with an assignment. Don't wait until the last minute to get started. It is a good idea to see us at the beginning, middle and end stages of your project. This way, in terms of writing and presentation assignments, we can help you develop ideas, discover your topic/thesis, decide what details you need, organize the information, develop it with examples and other details, and polish it. Well-written assignments require several revisions, so the earlier you make an appointment, the more opportunities you will have to develop your skills. Likewise, by contacting us sooner than later, we can help you develop strategies that assist with most types of academic assignments.

How often can I make an appointment?
You may make three reading, three writing and unlimited speech appointments per week. Special needs students can schedule one hour appointments. You can make a weekly standing appointment, too; however, if you don't show up for these sessions, your standing appointment will be cancelled.