Evaluating Freshman Composition: A Multimethod A

Abstract

This paper describes 4 studies that were used to evaluate the freshman writing courses offered to basic writers at a major research university. The evaluation was prompted by an institutional decision to eliminate post-admission writing placement and place all freshmen into college level writing courses. The studies investigated course completion rates, performance in subsequent courses, student opinion of course difficulty and analysis of student writing. The studies suggest that the courses are effective in achieving their goals.