INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER | LEARNING EXPERIENCE DESIGNER
PERSUASIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
Summary
I currently teach and advise college students who are learning English as a second language. All students are currently learning online through one-on-one private sessions. I decided to test an instructor-led, group workshop amongst my students as a possible option for future courses. After brainstorming several workshop options and presenting them to students, I began to develop the Persuasive Essay Writing Workshop. The goal of the workshop was to improve the students’ academic language and essay writing skills, and introduce them to strategies to support their arguments. I wrote instructional texts (sample sentences / essays), adapted activities from a variety of sources to the level of my students and created worksheets, flyers and an animated promotional video. After the workshop, I evaluated the course with a survey.
Design and Development
This course was created using the Rapid Instructional Design model. First, students were introduced to the concept of a group workshop through a video and a one-on-one discussion. They were surveyed to determine the topic of the workshop, according to their interests and needs. The course was developed by adapting existing source material and creating new material as necessary. Next, the information was presented during the workshop, along with practice writing exercises and real-time feedback. After the workshop, students continued working on their final essay and received detailed feedback and suggestions for future learning.
Introduction Video
The introduction video was created using Vyond to introduce the students to workshops and three possible workshop options.
Workshop Flyer and Graphics
An informational flyer was created using InDesign to summarize information about the workshop.
Informational Flyer (pdf)
A graphic was created for students to share with their friends on social media / messenger applications. It helped to double the attendance to the workshop (from two to four students).
Instructional Materials
The workshop materials were created using InDesign. Students were sent the pre-class worksheet to strengthen their existing knowledge of academic vocabulary and writing. The workbook was used in class to conduct the workshop. Students finished their essays after the workshop and received feedback on their writing.
Pre-Workshop Worksheet (pdf)
Workshop Workbook (pdf)