Abstract
A gap in the literature indicates that needs analysis and writing centres have yet to be explicitly studied side-by-side. This dissertation’s original contributions to knowledge are: an investigation of how needs analysis is currently being used in asynchronous online writing centres; and a model that writing centres can use to focus their needs analysis efforts. A questionnaire was created with the help of an informant, a seasoned writing centre director whose centre provides asynchronous tutoring, then emailed to an open mailing list for North American writing centre professionals. The questionnaire was primarily developed to ask participants about the way their centre: conducts asynchronous work, reports on sessions, and trains tutors. A discussion of the results suggests that there are various ways that writing centres are conducting needs analysis. In an attempt to organise a model that can be used for improving needs analysis efforts, this dissertation concludes that writing centres can benefit by: (1) using custom online asynchronous platforms; (2) collecting more and varied information; (3) using reports educationally; and (4) effectively training and positioning tutors to conduct needs analysis.
Citation Information
Type of Source: Dissertation
Author: Joseph McCormick
Year of Completion: 2013
Title: Making a Connection: Studying the Uses of Needs Analysis in Asynchronous Writing Tutoring
Institution: Durham University