Traversing Divides: Note to self, add Zimmerelli to the reading list.

After reading Traversing Divides: Service Learning in the Writing Center, I found that a lot of Zimmerelli work mirrors my own interests. Firstly, I really loved her idea of incorporating a service learning component into her writing theory and practicum class, and having the tutors work with students from outside the “Loyola Bubble”. Secondly, I found so many articles, including many of hers that I need to add to my reading list. For example, the Transformative Learning Model for Service Learning, get on my reading list!

But thirdly, the part of her research that echoes my own interest is how she is using service-learning to cross borders and “demythologize” stereotypes. In technical writing, when asking (even professionals) about how they communicate cross-culturally, there are a lot of stereotypes. One project I am working on currently is analyzing guidance genres of how professionals suggest how you can communicate with other cultures in a professional writing setting. Out of the 42 samples I’ve analyzed, only ONE sample suggest actually discussing culture with the actual people you will be communicating with. Instead of finding out about cultures, people create these lists such as “7 rules for communicating to a global audience” with little room to understand the rhetorical context and adapt. Additionally, many o f these have serious stereotypical issues that are disguised as factoids. ….but hey, that’s hopefully going to be a qualifying paper one day…

Currently, a lot of my research centers around getting students/writers a little out of their comfort zone, so they can better understand other cultures. In my research, I am trying to make an argument that textbooks do not do a great job at presenting intercultural communication, but a solution to this problem, is having students actually go outside of their bubble and work with these communities. Right now, my students work with various community members around Stillwater, but I am adding a component next semester to where they can work with international student organizations on campus as well (as a way to break down some of those biases and perceptions). I would keep going into detail, but I still need to refine everything before next semester, but it looks like I will have some extra readings to help me out! 🙂

One of the commonalities from ZImmerelli’s article and Rousculp’s chapter 4 was this commonality of a divide between the “town and gown”. My conference paper discusses how I think service learning can break down this barrier, but I am also heading warning from Rousculp about how the institution always seems to get in the way.  I’m interested in seeing how in chapter 5 she combats these issues. I found myself really resonating with her proposal flop with the community. During my first semester of working with community members, I had the community partners fill out surveys (in a way that would be awesome data for an academic journal), but whoa, the feedback I received was humbling because it wasn’t geared to my audience, and I was letting the institution seep back into this project.

I really really enjoyed Zimmerelli’s piece, and I’m looking forward to reading some of her others!