THE NES WRITING AND COMMUNICATION CENTER: THE CASE FOR STUDENT-ORIENTED WRITING CENTERS IN RUSSIA
Abstract
The Writing and Communication Center (WCC) at the New Economic School (NES) turned five years old in 2016 and remains the oldest writing center in Russia. Unlike many of its counterparts throughout the country, the WCC at NES has a special focus on student writing. This article offers an overview of the WCC's philosophy and current activities and presents a case for prioritizing students in writing centers. It also provides an analysis of the session reports collected from consultants from 2013-2016 in order to identify patterns of use at the writing center and understand the needs and expectations of students who visit. Experts in the field tie the growth of the information economy to rising demand for advanced literacy in all walks of life. Developing good writing habits and skills in both native and foreign languages is becoming increasingly important not only for academic success but in a variety of professions. Writing centers therefore play a critical role in preparing students for their futures.
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