Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees heard a presentation on the “Write to Work” textbook and learning system developed and authored by SMC English professors Dr. Michael Collins and Dr. Joseph Lemrow, during its regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 12 held on the Dowagiac campus.

Implemented this fall at the college, “Write to Work” is more than just a textbook, it is a complete system that allows students to master the academic outcomes of a typical college freshman writing course by using a carefully tailored collection of real-world writing assignments that each have an additional value to them. 

All “Write to Work” assignments are designed so a student can use the end product to advance academic studies and/or obtain a job.

“Because community colleges serve a diverse population of individuals from traditional high school graduates to adults or non-traditional students to displaced workers, “Write to Work” offers instruction in the kinds of writing that will help each of these three populations succeed,” said Collins, adding instruction is directly linked to real-world writing experiences.

 “The key motivation behind “Write to Work” was our re-envisioning of how composition instruction could be delivered to provide students with real-world writing objectives that actively engage and advance student success in the classroom and in the real-world,” Lemrow added.

 The “Write to Work” textbook takes students through a series of modules that are self-directed, allowing students to master complex writing tasks through review and quiz modules. Upon completion, all assignments are uploaded to an e-portfolio of interrelated real-world writing, showcasing the student’s ability to research, analyze and craft logical and persuasive essays. The e-portfolio can be used as part of the student’s resume, Collins said.

“Write to Work” provides the framework for a revolutionary new way to facilitate the learning of college level writing in an applied context that engages students in the creation of works of writing that have meaning to them both personally and professionally,” said Dr. Diane Chaddock, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Southwestern Michigan College. “It is designed not only to teach students to write at a college level, but also directly to prepare them to be successful in finding and retaining meaningful employment after college.”

According to Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews, “The highest value of the College culture at Southwestern Michigan College is student success.  Innovative teaching strategies, combined with clearly defined outcomes, help make Southwestern Michigan College students among the most successful in the nation. The board of trustees truly appreciates the work that Dr. Collins and Dr. Lemrow have done to make writing instruction more meaningful and more effective at the College.”

A portion of the proceeds from the textbook sales are being donated by the authors to create a writing scholarship at the college.