Letter to Next Year's Class

At the end of each College Writing I course, I ask the students to write a letter to the next term's students, reflecting on the course and sharing their advice and encouragement. Here are the letters my Term IV students wrote in the spring of 2008. This was a hybrid online "eLL" class, so their answers are in part specific to that style of course delivery.

Letter from Group 1:

Dear College Writing I students,
Welcome to College Writing. As seasoned students we wanted to share a bit of advice to help you get through class and come out with the best experience possible. On average you can expect to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours max on the journal and threaded discussion assignment for each week. From our experience we feel it is better to take physical classes with your online rather than taking all your courses online. It seems easier to keep track of deadlines and stay involved when you take physical classes.
It is important to pay attention to the syllabus; it is a strict outline for the class. Tracy expects you to come to class prepared or at least have something to contribute even if you haven't finished your assignments. Make sure you pay attention to the deadlines especially for the journals. Do your work in "Word" first and cut and paste so as to ensure you don't lose your work. Also check to see your work has actually been posted. In class be sure to see your work has actually been posted. In class be sure to stay on topic as much as possible and make the best use of your class time.
We hope you enjoy College Writing I. Do your work and stick to the syllabus and you will succeed. Have fun!
Cassandra, Mark, Adam, Joe

Letter from Group 2:

Things I wish I knew before the college writing course started:
How to understand the syllabus. Some of us should have known basic essay format before this course started. Knowing a computer and how to find your course is a plus too.
Our group agrees that you should put more effort into your work and pay more attention to deadlines so you will succeed.
[What would we tell a new college writing student about the reading assignments?] Reading is easy but questions require deep thought. You may want to try reading your book assignment twice, on two different days, to make sure you fully understand it. This method may make your questions easier.
When you're handed your first essay writing assignment, don't worry; just write to the best of your ability. You'll get the "Chance" to revise it later. Plus Tracy can be very understanding and let you re-write because she's the bomb!