The Difference between Novices and Experts

Edited notes from the Writing Across the Curriculum workshop I completed recently.


Write down 3-5 qualities of effective writing in your discipline

• Unique or fresh perspective on an issue
• Well structured
• Good use of evidence to support claims

Write down 3-5 qualities of effective student writing

• Error free
• Well structured
• Logical arguments
• Broad understanding of an issue

Compare the two lists.  What stands out?
Since students are novices (not experts), I generally expect them to be developing the knowledge and skills of topics or issues, but not necessarily bringing a fresh or unique perspective to the topic.   Especially in a field such as information systems, with detailed technical knowledge necessary for professional work, the emphasis in an undergraduate program is on developing the knowledge and skills of programming, networking, data modeling, analyzing systems, designing systems, security, etc.  While some of the more advanced students can bring fresh perspectives, that level of integration of ideas is beyond most students.