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Writing an article or an academic paper is one of the most complex activities a human can ever do. The process is laborious and intellectually challenging. Putting thoughts to paper that passes on ideas or information makes most people cringe, and yet, if accomplished is one of the most satisfying endeavors imaginable.
Sites such as this one, www.wearemrc.org, can help a student find the needed help to take on such a task as writing.When a student goes to write a paper they will need more than the usual information on mechanics. They need a mentor that guides them through the stringing of words, phrases, and clauses into a coherent vehicle of thought. Smarthinking platform does just that. Smarthinking is an online resource of mentors who take a student paper and provide guidance from higher order objectives (theme, organization, flow and transition) to the lower order objectives (spelling, capitalization, or grammar).
Smarthinking’s set-up is based on scientific research. Writing is an activity that is improved when a student receives one-on-one attention from a mentor. The best teaching moments are those that occur when the student needs it and asks. Smarthinking ‘s online platform provides a structure that is 24/7. The student provides the paper, and a set of directions on what they believe they need help with. A mentor using a rubric, takes sentences from the paper, and makes suggestions on how to improve the writing such as fleshing out a set of characters, or giving more explanation of character motives. Sessions are drop-in and feedback can be synchronous or asynchronous. It is a student’s choice.



