How many students visit the LAVC Writing Center?

Approximately 2,400 individuals visit The Writing Center per year. An average of 1,000 unduplicated students receive tutorial assistance in writing, reading, thinking, study, and computer skills per Fall and Spring semesters.

Who are these students?

Writing Center students are enrolled across the curriculum at LAVC. While the majority of students are currently taking English courses, 30% are enrolled in other courses for which they need help in language literacy, writing, reading, document formatting, study, and critical thinking skills. These students range from pre-collegiate to transfer level in terms of preparation.

What are the outcomes the students achieve as a result of visiting The Writing Center?

Students who use TheWriting Center tutoring and computer services succeed at higher rates—at least 10% points higher—than those in the same courses who do not use our services. Additionally, Writing Center students are retained at an average rate of 94%. See the following outcomes charts prepared by LAVC's Office of Research and Planning (figures one and two).

Figure one.

Figure two.

Besides one-to-one tutoring, what other student success services does The Writing Center offer?

The Writing Center offers three tutorial lab classes: English 67, a .5 unit writing lab; English 68, a .5 unit reading lab; and English 69, a 1 unit writing and revising on the computer lab. We also have an ongoing series of roundtable workshops providing students with an overview of various elements of writing and researching. There are numerous instructional handouts for students to take home, and there is a complete reference library of books covering essentials of grammar, exposition, analysis, research, argument, and so forth. An Online Writing Center featuring virtual tutoring, useful web links, Powerpoint workshops, and other self-instructional resources is coming soon. The Writing Center also continues to sponsor student success workshops through the FIPSE STARS (Strategic Team for the Advancement and Retention of Students) Project grant. Our first workshop featured Dr. Irene Clark of CSUN and was entitled, "Facilitating Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum."

What do Writing Center students say about their experiences?

Following are some statements from students describing their views regarding their success levels before and after visiting The Writing Center.

Before:

"But I have never taken English class before. I scared when I hear that I have to write an essay or something in English very long."

After:

"Now I feel much more confidence in myself than the very first day in English 28 class writings because of the Writing Center consultant's feedback."

Before:

"My overall goal is to achieve college level writing and have a better understanding of college English... I have been told I don't use enough detail. I have many grammatical errors."

After:

"My experience in the Writing Center has been great. I have a better understanding of MLA format, my writing has become so much better and my grades have improved... I suggest the Writing Center to everyone. I was able to write about a page, now I can write a detailed two to three page paper without really trying."

Before:

"I cannot get a good job because I cannot communicate in English as well as needed. I need to work on my English very hard. I have to learn to read, write, and speak in English... It is very important to speak fluently when you are looking for a job. Nobody will give you a job when they do not understand you well, or when you cannot understand them and their instructions."

After:

"I am learning to write better. I have learned how to make lists for the ideas I want to write. Also I have learned how to do prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Before taking this class [in The Writing Center] I was scared to write but now I enjoy doing it."

Before:

"When I signed up for English 28, I realized I had not written an essay for 43 years and absolutely could not remember how to begin...how to organize effectively... I feel overwhelmed."

After:

"I began to understand what a thesis statement is and its importance in essay writing, how it sets the theme and must lead the writing. What I found extremely helpful [in The Writing Center] was to know someone would explore ideas and concepts that I had. Often sitting at my typewriter at home alone, I would lose perspective on what I was writing, which resulted in not being able to tell if the work was valid, or just a bloody mess! Just when I'm beginning to enjoy writing essays, school is going to be over."

Before:

"I have trouble with spelling, writing, using computer and many more other. Next step I with tutor revise my draft. I never had an experience working with tutor before. It is excellent to be with someone who can help you to see what can be wrong and how to correct. The tutor explain me all process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing. She showed me how to make a sentences more meaningful, teach me some grammar, and demonstrated spell check."

After:

"I don't belief this semester is almost finished. I remember when I came first time in this [Writing Center] class: I felt that my level was kindergarten...I never tried a computer before and I was afraid of it. Also I have a problem with grammar and vocabulary that makes me stop to express what I wanted to write... I never thought I could finish this class. But thank God I'm wrong. This class helped me a lot to move far ahead. I start to writing, thinking and learn more vocabulary and grammar, and finally I typing by myself! For me it is amazing."