HUMANITIES Conference Highlight | Rachel W. Lott
Rachel W. Lott
Program of Study: PhD in Writing and Rhetoric Studies
Conference/Event Name: Two-Year College English Association (TYCA) National and Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) Annual Convention
Name of project/research:
- TYCA National - Pedagogy and Practice in a Prison Education Program: Developing a Comprehensive Literacy Program at a State Correctional Facility
- CCCC Prison Literacies SIG Workshop, (by invitation) - The Challenges of Developing a Comprehensive Literacy Program at a State Correctional Facility
- CCCC Panel - Remixing Trauma-Informed Pedagogies: Grief, Incarceration, and Disclosures of Sexual Violence in the Writing Classroom
Q: What drew you to this conference/presentation?
A: These national conferences are some of the biggest in our field, with thousands of scholars in attendance. Both of these conferences focus on the challenges of writing instruction.
Q: How well have the classes you’ve taken prepared you for this conference/presentation?
A: Our courses teach the theoretical framework, and our instruction assistantship provides hands-on praxis to participate in these academic conversations.
Q: What skills did you have going into this conference? How has this experience helped build on them?
A: Conferences provide the opportunity to share research ideas and receive helpful feedback and networking support.
Q: Is there a specific project/assignment you worked on that lead you to this opportunity? If so, what was it?
A: I've taught multiple classes at the state prison and juvenile facilities.
Q: What has been the most helpful advice you've gotten from a professor during this experience?
A: Ground your ideas in research but share your classroom triumphs and tragedies.
Q: How did you apply for this opportunity? Walk us through the process please!
A: Our panels submitted a proposal and then followed up, preparing our research.
Q: What classes have been the most helpful in setting you up for success for this conference/presentation?
A: Our graduate seminars frequently include presentations, and classroom experience of course.
Q: What has been the biggest take-away from this experience?
A: Working with others enriches the learning experience. I learned so much.