Research
[German version]

Informations on further research projects are available at the homepage of the European University Viadrina Writing Center.

Since 2010 I work on my habilitation project (working title: Successful implementation of writing centers: An explorative study based on expert interviews, participant observations and writing center research).

Since 2002 I worked for my PhD-thesis as a fellow of the Hans-Böckler-Foundation. At the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) I developed a new course model, based on teacherless writing groups and student created assignments. It helps students to write regularly, to make them think about writing processes and to affect a positive attitude to writing. The course focuses on creating a strong learning community within the groups. It offers a way especially for those who deal with big classes and low budget.

For my research I try to leave the teacher's perspective and examine this course model from the student's point of view by using Grounded Theory Methodology. Data like interviews, group discussions or proceedings help me to explore the student's needs. First results confirm that the social dimension of the writing group work is vitally important to them and show parallels to publications on collaborative learning or writing center theory.

I finished my research successfully in January 2007 ("magna cum laude"). The book is published at VS Research Publishers.

Dissertation Abstract (German)