Building Cognitive and Cultural Bridges in the Composition Classroom

FAIN: ASA-292244-23

South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD 57007-0001)
Amber Jensen (Project Director: November 2022 to present)
Nathan Serfling (Co Project Director: April 2023 to present)

a one-year project featuring two summer workshops for faculty to assess and develop new materials for their introductory composition course

Composition faculty will develop materials and strategies to create cognitive and cultural connections for undergraduate students enrolled in Composition I, especially first-generation college students or students from otherwise underserved populations, including those from tribal schools, reservations, and/or low socioeconomic backgrounds. Faculty will participate in two summer workshops, the first focused on assessing current curriculum and student need, and the second focused on developing materials and strategies to meet student needs. Materials and strategies may include course modules, reading materials, distance learning practices, experiential learning opportunities, discourse community analysis, etc. The design of these materials and implementation of these strategies will strengthen the overall teaching of humanities by preparing students for successful reading, writing, and academic engagement.