Jun 02, 2022
Together instead of alone - and very productive
There are writing-intensive periods each semester: Term papers are planned, final papers are registered and essays are written. To provide the best possible support, a digital writing marathon via Big Blue Button took place from March 7 to March 11, 2022. Every day, around 25 writers came together to work on their projects. Under the motto "Together instead of alone", a lively virtual writing community was created.
The idea behind the marathon
Scientific writing involves different stages. Just as in an athletic marathon, it can help to "swear in" to the challenge with others in order to eventually cross the finish line. Everyone works individually on their respective projects, but they are united by the different steps involved in writing scientific texts. Talking about this and developing an awareness of the fact that other students are in a similar situation and are also working on their writing projects at exactly the same time can be enormously motivating.
A section of the March 2022 Writing Marathon get-to-know-you pinboard, where each:r could get an overview of the various inputs and workspaces during the week and get to know other participants.
A classic writing marathon day
The marathon was characterized by a fixed daily structure. From Monday to Friday, the participants started their working day together at 9 am. The participants set themselves daily goals and discussed them with their fellow participants. The Writing Center's writing tutors also provided many helpful tips, for example on workplace design or home office routines.
After that, the first writing phase started, in which everyone devoted themselves to their projects in a concentrated working atmosphere. Those who encountered problems or had specific questions about scientific writing could attend an individual writing consultation.
At noon, there was the possibility to meet for a short chat and to exchange information about the current work progress or just to chat.
In the afternoon, there was again plenty of time for writing and, if needed, a writing consultation could be taken advantage of before the day ended around 5 p.m. with a reflection on the working day.
Feedback on the event and on scientific writing at the TU Dresden
Nearly one-third of participants in the March 2022 Writing Marathon Week evaluation are studying for state exams. (n=20) © Grafik aus SoSci Survey
The majority of participants in the March 2022 Writing Marathon Week evaluation are studying in an advanced semester (n=20). © Grafik aus SoSci Survey
Just under half of the participants in the evaluation of the Writing Marathon Week have already had a lot of writing experience in their studies; only 3 people report having written only 1-2 exam papers. (n=20) © Grafik aus SoSci Survey
A total of 20 participants provided feedback on the event. Respondents indicated that they were primarily looking for motivation to write and that they hoped for more structure in their daily home office routine. The overall response to the writing marathon was very positive, suggesting that participants' expectations were met.
95% of respondents would participate in the Writing Marathon again and 100% of participants would recommend the event to others. Furthermore, 18 persons stated that the participation had been worthwhile for them.
Especially the fixed daily structure and the exchange rounds were perceived as enormously helpful. Here, the participants themselves have their say:
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"Praise, praise and more praise! Thank you so much! You have made big things happen in my everyday life with such a few small suggestions for change!"
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"Starting in the morning and ending each day together has allowed me to become productive within that time frame and call it a day without feeling guilty."
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"The goal setting together, the commitment to get up each morning and get going and get more organized, just not being alone either, was great! After 2 years of working exclusively in a home office, it was kind of awesome."
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"I think the writing marathon was very lovingly designed with a lot of creativity despite the online format (...). There was a lot of flexibility to address questions, suggestions, and topics that came up and they were addressed. With the offer of writing advice, there was always the possibility to get support. I really liked it, thanks for organizing! :)"
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"Thank you for this week. Thank you for creating a space where exchange is possible. It helped me a lot."
Furthermore, constructive criticism was expressed, which can help to continuously improve the event concept so that the best possible conditions for productive writing can be created. This includes the wish for a writing marathon in presence as well as shorter exchange rounds, so that the focus can be more on the regular writing time.
In addition to questions about the event and the individual background of the participants, they were also asked in the evaluation to assess the importance of and support for learning scientific writing in their studies at the TU Dresden:
In the evaluation of the writing marathon, the participants were also asked for their assessment of scientific writing in their studies at the TU Dresden.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
Interested in the writing marathon?
There is a list of interested people on OPAL. Once you sign up, you will be notified by email as soon as new writing marathon dates are set. If you wish a Writing Marathon in english, please email us: .
Text und Evaluation: Christina Ullrich
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Writing Center of TU Dresden
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The Writing Center of the TU Dresden (SZD) supports students and lecturers with offers for planning and writing various texts in studies such as vouchers, protocols, seminar papers and theses and for teaching academic writing in teaching and supervision. All information about offers and possibilities of support can be found in the areas for students and lecturers.
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