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This chapter explores the differences between collaborative writing projects and solo projects, offering guidelines for collaboration and suggestions for organizing groups. It also discusses various types of collaborative projects, including reports, proposals, and informative writing. The chapter provides tips on electronic communication and highlights the benefits of online collaboration.
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The Call to Write,Third edition Chapter 18, Working Together: Collaborative Writing Projects
Chapter overview • Looks at the way collaborative writing projects differ from solo projects • Presents guidelines for collaboration • Provides suggestions for organizing groups and the project • Describes types of projects
Collaborative projects • Differ from individual projects in accountability: “…aims for collective outcome produced jointly by a team of people with shared responsibility for the results ” (586). • Called for when tasks are complex, when a great deal of time and effort are required, or when results speak for a group of people.
Seven guidelines • Groups take time to form. • Clarify purpose and roles. • Recognize that members bring different styles. • Recognize that you may not play the same role in every group. • Monitor group progress. • Address problems in group dynamics. • Encourage differences of opinion.
Working together • Organizing the group: Discusses group size, composition, how work can be divided between members, and presents an agenda for the first meeting. • Putting together the proposal: Lists the components of a proposal • Meetings, progress reports, and drafting
Electronic communication • Online collaboration—group members can work together over distance • Four ways to use technology: • Stay in touch • Consult with people • Share working drafts • Confer on drafts
Types of projects • Reports and recommendations • Proposals for grant funding • Informative writing • Other possibilities include briefings, multimedia exhibits, museum exhibits, guides, Web sites, or MUD environments.
Student Companion Website • Go to the student side of the Web site for exercises, chapter overviews, and links to writing resources for this chapter: http://www.ablongman.com/trimbur • Click on the textbook cover, and then select Student Resources.