My Application

Overview

Instructing basic composition courses can be challenging. Most students struggle to grasp the conventions of writing grammatically correct sentences. Most instructors employ assistive devices that help students practice improving their sentence development skills. However, sometimes these devices are not fully practical. For example I have used diverse applications over the years. Two devices that I frequently use are:

1. Collegiate Blackboard: I develop grammar practice tests (in relation to fragments, run-ons, misplaced/dangling modifiers, pronouns, irregular verbs, and the like) for students to complete. Students are allowed to continuously practice taking the test until they receive a satisfactory score.
2. MyCompLab: MyCompLab is similar to Blackboard; it allows instructors to manage course content via a particular online environment. MyCompLab has integrated grammar practice assignments for students to complete. Additionally, personal student assessments are provided.

The Issue

I’ve noticed that continuous practice still doesn’t help some students. Students are still submitting essays with numerous grammatical errors even after a month of working with grammar in and outside of the classroom. Most students use Microsoft Word to develop their essays, and even though Microsoft Word has a simplistic grammar feature, it’s still not enough.

My Application

I would like to develop an application that identifies extensive grammatical errors in students’ writing. The application would use an electronic semantics criterion for identification of:

• Pronoun Usage and Agreement
• Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Tense Consistency
• Articles
• Prepositions
• Mixed Conjunction
• Irregular Verbs
• Parallelism

Possibly it’s easy for students to identify and correct grammatical errors via sentences that are displayed on computer screen. However, it may be difficult for students to identify and correct errors in their own writing. My application would highlight grammatical errors in students’ drafts. Once students click on the highlighted content, it would take them to a definition and practice revision text box. The practice revision text box would allow students to practice revising their own sentences. (The application would not edit the sentence for students.) In combination with the text box, there would be a color-coded system that would let students know:

• The sentence is still problematic (grammatical error). This would be indicated in red.
• The sentence is improved (corrected). This would be indicated in green. 

This application could be utilized in combination with Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word’s grammar feature identifies some errors like fragments, spelling, punctuations, incorrect word usage, and subject-verb agreement. Additionally, the Word program provides brief definitions for each error. My application goes a step further by working with more grammatical issues that are commonly seen in students’ drafts. It also would provide students with the opportunity to correctly revise their sentences (via the revision text box) before submitting the final version of the particular essay.

Conclusion

I often suggest that my struggling writers meet with the Writing Center staff to receive assistance with sentence development. I also offer my personal assistance. Unfortunately, some students do not heed to my suggestion. For the students who do, the time spent receiving assistance isn’t always enough. Possibly this application could bridge the gap.