Tuesday, February 22, 2011

EDIN Winter School 16, 17 February 2011

The EDIN Winter School 'Writing for Publication' took place last week on 16 and 17 February in Dublin. Educational developers from around Ireland attended and explored critical academic writing from a range of perspectives.

Writing for publication was the main theme and practical approaches to getting published were considered including choosing a journal, identifying impact factors and how the peer review process works. The role of editors and editorial board in a journal and how this varies from journal to journal was discussed.

Writing as part of the academic work of educational developers was explored. Developing a personal writing strategy was the focus of one session and examples of writing journeys were presented. Writing strategies such as writing groups and circles were discussed both for educational developers and for academics in general.

Educational developers also support academics as they develop writing skills themselves and with their students. Pedagogies of critical academic writing were suggested. The two days were highly interactive and the writing exercises used were most useful for developing and supporting critical academic writing.

Thanks to EDIN Committee members Dr Ciara O'Farrell and Dr Marian Fitzmaurice for organising and running the Winter School. Thanks to the presenters - Ciara, Marian, Helen Fallon, Roisin Donnelly, Geraldine O'Neill, Terry Barrett, Kelly Coate and Sarah Moore for a stimulating two days. The Winter School resources will be uploaded to the EDIN website shortly. Thank you EDIN members for attending.