Guidance and Support for the Teaching of WID

WID Assistance for Faculty

RIC faculty seeking assistance with creating and designing Writing in the Disciplines courses, or needing help with any aspect of teaching writing in any course, have numerous resources available to them.

An excellent place to begin learning about WID course and assignment design is the Statement of WAC Principles and Practices, which articulates the foundational guidelines and best practices for integrating writing in the disciplines or across the curriculum. This document provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the essential elements of effective writing instruction in various disciplines and professions. 

Below you will find resources to help in learning about teaching in Writing in the Disciplines, or for additional support please reach out to the Writing Board chair, Dr. Michael Michaud.

List of Faculty Resources

A great place to begin is the website of the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Clearinghouse and, in particular, their resource Introduction to Writing Across the Curriculum. (Note: the acronyms WAC and WID are often used interchangeably. Technically, WAC focuses on integrating writing into all subject areas to enhance learning, while WID emphasizes teaching writing skills specific to particular academic fields/disciplines.) The WAC Clearinghouse’s Teaching Guides page is also a helpful resource which addresses numerous aspects of the teaching process.

Additionally, numerous colleges and universities have created online resources to support faculty in the teaching of disciplinary and professional writing. Some of these resources can be found on college/university WAC/WID webpages. Others can be located via the websites of teaching and learning centers. Below, we share a sampling of resources to give a sense of what’s available and what to look for:

  • Engaging Ideas: The Professor's Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom 3rd Edition

    A step-by-step guide for designing writing assignments and critical thinking activities that engage students with important subject-matter questions.

  • The Elements of Teaching Writing: A Resource for Instructors in All Disciplines

    Offering reliable advice about how to design effective writing assignments and respond to and evaluate student writing in any course, Elements of Teaching Writing provides time-saving strategies and practical guidance for educators.

  • Writing Resources for DU Faculty: Writing Beyond Writing Classes (PDF)

    The resources that follow are designed to give practical help regarding student writing to DU professors across the full range of disciplines—faculty who are neither trained as “writing teachers” nor have “teaching writing” as their primary professional identity. In offering them, my goal is by no means to proselytize or convert but, rather, to inform and encourage. There are some practical and economical things all faculty can do with writing to benefit their students and their disciplines—things that respect the complex professional lives that professors lead.

  • How Learning Works: Eight Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching 2nd Edition

    Readers will find eight essential learning principles that distill the overwhelming research literature into: 

    • Real-world teaching and learning scenarios
    • Examples that reflect a diverse set of teaching environments and learner populations
    • 150 practical strategies you can apply to your teaching context
  • Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning 2nd Edition

    In Small Teaching, James Lang presents a strategy for improving student learning with a series of modest but powerful changes that make a big difference; many of which can be put into practice in a single class period. These strategies are designed to bridge the chasm between primary research and the classroom environment in a way that can be implemented by any faculty in any discipline, and even integrated into pre-existing teaching techniques.

  • AI and Writing

    AI and Writing is an introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its emergent role as a tool for academic, professional, civic, and personal writing.

  • Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning

    In the age of AI, critical thinking skills, information literacy, and a liberal arts education are more important than ever. As AI continues to reshape the nature of work and human thinking, educators can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This book serves as a compass, guiding educators through the uncharted territory of AI-powered education and the future of teaching and learning.

Statement 1  

This course is part of the Writing in the Disciplines (WID) program, meaning writing will be a central tool for learning and demonstrating subject knowledge. Throughout the semester, you will engage in both informal and formal writing that reflects the conventions of our field. Writing assignments will account for 40-60% of your grade and include opportunities for revision based on feedback. You will practice various forms of writing specific to this discipline, developing essential skills for both academic and professional success.

Statement 2  

As a Writing in the Disciplines (WID) course, this class emphasizes writing as a key method for understanding and communicating ideas in this field. Assignments will include both low-stakes writing to enhance learning and high-stakes projects to showcase your grasp of key concepts. Writing will make up 40-60% of your final grade, with major assignments involving drafting, feedback, and revision. You'll develop skills in the specific writing conventions of this discipline, preparing you for further study or professional work.

Statement 3  

This is a Writing in the Disciplines (WID) course, where writing is integral to both learning and assessment. You will complete multiple writing assignments throughout the semester, including informal exercises and formal papers, that will account for 40-60% of your grade. These assignments will help you master discipline-specific writing styles and methods. Writing will be treated as a process, with opportunities to draft, revise, and receive feedback to improve your communication skills within the context of this field.