Writing Centre
Are you struggling with writing academic texts? At the Writing Centre, students can receive free writing coaching. Our services are specifically aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students, but we are currently also open to PhD students.
The coaches at the Writing Centre use a non-directive approach, which means they will ask you questions and help you look at your text or writing process from a different perspective. As a result, you remain responsible for your own text. The goal is for you to rediscover the joy of writing and to gain a clear starting point for improving your academic writing skills.
|
During a 45-minute session, one of our writing coaches will guide you in working on your Dutch, English, Spanish, or French text of up to 1,500 words. If you need additional support after your coaching session, you are welcome to schedule another meeting. You can book up to five sessions per written product.
|
Topics to discuss
▸ Academic style
▸ Text structure
▸ Research questions
▸ Literature review and source citation
▸ Argumentation
▸ Clear formulation
▸ Writing planning
▸ Processing of feedback
What our coaches do
Our coaches use a non-directive approach: they will not correct your text, but they give you food for thought! Of course, they will give you tips for improvement, but you remain responsible for your text (see also Working method). Your coach is not a language teacher, but if there are any issues with spelling or grammar, they can refer you to reliable websites. It is also important to keep in mind that our coaches are no experts in the field of your topic, i.e. for questions about the content, you are better off talking to your lecturer.
Practical information
▸Who is it for? For all UG students – PhD students are currently also welcome.
▸Who are the coaches? Our writing coaches are UG students who have an affinity with academic writing and have completed a coaching training course.
▸Where do sessions take place? Sessions can take place either in the Harmonie Building or online, depending on your preference.
▸What does it cost? Writing coaching sessions are free of charge.
▸How often can I book a session? You may book a maximum of five coaching sessions per writing assignment. You can book only one session at a time. If you need a follow-up session, you can book it after the previous session has been completed.
▸In which language? You may submit texts in Dutch, English, Spanish or French, regardless of the language of the coaching session. All coaches speak both Dutch and English. Some coaches also speak Spanish and French. Please make sure to book your session with a coach who speaks your preferred language.
Working method
If you schedule an individual session at the Writing Centre, we kindly ask you to submit the text you would like to discuss with the writing coach at least 24 hours in advance. The text may be up to 1,500 words long. You are also welcome to schedule a meeting before you start writing and can discuss how to create a writing plan or an outline.
The coaching session lasts approximately 45 minutes. During the session, you indicate which aspects of writing you are struggling with. The session follows a non-directive coaching approach, i.e. the coach will ask questions to help you become more aware of your writing process. The intended result is therefore not a perfect final product, but an improvement in your skills. Almost all academic writing centres in the Netherlands use a non-directive coaching approach as it has a greater learning effect for students than methods in which coaches simply tell them what to do differently. This means that during the session, you will actively work on improving your own writing.
If you need additional support after your coaching session, you are welcome to schedule another meeting. You can book up to five sessions per written product.
Meet our writing coaches
If you schedule an individual session at the Writing Centre, you will be helped by one of our coaches. They are UG students with a variety of academic backgrounds and, most importantly, have a strong affinity with academic writing and coaching. They are trained in coaching and are supervised by professionals from the UG Language Centre.
Writing Days
Are you currently writing your thesis, an essay or report, and could you use a day to make real headway? Come to one of our free Writing Days! During this day, you will work on your text in a small group of students, and, if you want, you can ask for personal coaching from our writing coach who will be present on the day.
▸More information