Feedback from Students and Staff
Do you need further assistance? Do you have any suggestions for improvement? Help us by providing anonymous feedback so that we can continue to improve our work!
Students on the English Writing Programme:
"The English Writing Assistance Program helped me to recognize and further develop written English as one of my possibilities of expression. The main reason for this was that the tutor always spoke in a respective and understanding way and asked gentle questions about sensitive issues. This enabled me to recognize my fears about writing in English and to find ways to deal with them. I never had the feeling that someone was imposing steps for my development; instead, I was accepted for where I was at in writing and received support. It was always possible to bring my own ideas and questions into well-prepared sessions. For example, there was typically enough time for working on expanding my vocabulary and using these new words in context. I experienced the intimacy that goes together with working together on written expression as challenging. Facing these challenges however contributed to creating a more relaxed relationship with writing tasks, the development of greater faith in my knowledge and in my ability to learn, and in my ability to accept support. I can therefore recommend the English-language Writing Assistance Program without reservation to all students who have questions or inhibitions about writing.”
Students on our Workshops:
"I thought that the Writing Workshop Writing Workshop was very informative, helpful, motivational, and educational. The methods presented were very well illustrated, with active examples. The handouts and group work, and above all the discussion, were very good. I recommend it to everyone!”
“The discussions with others about our past experiences showed me that I’m not alone with my little quirks and eccentricities, and that I can even glean something positive from them. I liked the open atmosphere, the discussion, and the materials. I’ll also tell my friends about it. I came to understand something important for me: careful, conscious reflection, instead of just closing my eyes and pushing through. Other events like this would be great!”
“I liked the relaxed atmosphere, the clear and comprehensible input, and the friendly, charismatic workshop leader. I hope that I can put this inspiration to use (over the long term) so that it can be truly helpful.”
“I learned about what kind of learner I am and how I can leverage this knowledge when I’m working. I really liked that I found something constructive that I can do for my final thesis.”
“In the workshop on finding a topic, I learned about several methods that can be important for finding my way when I can’t seem to move forward. I also learned how to just start writing. I also liked the very detailed handouts, and that the methods built up on each other (kind of a step-by-step manual), and that we tried everything out. I wish we had had more time. It would have been nice to develop a schedule: how much time should I take for each step? What is perhaps taking things too far?”
“I learned some very helpful strategies in the workshop on finding a topic. They helped to structure my thoughts and to find appropriate, precise questions. The worksheets were very helpful because we had the opportunity to review the multiple methods. The relaxed atmosphere left a lot of room for ideas, despite snappy inputs in a short amount of time.”
"I attended all of the Writing Assistance Program workshops during the semester break in the winter semester 2016/17. I enjoyed being able to compare the different methods. I wish that it could have gone on and on, and never stopped, because I have been working on my master's thesis for a long time and I met other students who were interested in it here. This is why I would like to have an opportunity for digital interaction, and maybe another founding meeting for a writing group.
Students on the Writing Groups:
"I’ve been a member of a Writing Group called the ‘Success Team’ since March 2016. As the name says, our Writing Group is about successfully completing projects. We focus primarily on writing projects related to our university studies. We work on providing each other feedback about our texts, creating conditions for successful writing projects, and about private plans and projects. We meet every three weeks. The Writing Group has helped me to improve my written compositions and to actually carry out my plans at specific times.”
“The Success Team writing group provides me a safe space in which I feel comfortable expressing by thoughts and fears. Thanks to the Success Team, I have worked out my own motivation and my goals for my university studies. Regular meetings and interaction with my colleagues about problems with my studies have made it possible for me to receive constructive feedback on various situations. The Success Team helps me to focus on my goals and to overcome my fears!”
Academic staff members on the Writing Programme:
“The Writing Assistance Program is currently providing support to us as we search for a graduate assistant for editing English texts. It would be really great if we could profit from the quality services offered by the Zessko tutors. I have personally been to the English-language Writing Assistance Program and I find that the advisers are unbelievably talented at asking about and sensing my personal needs related to advising and support. Overall, he provided me with highly competent support, and I felt that I was in very good hands.”
Sebastian, Academic Staff, Faculty of Human Sciences
“Academic writing is part of the foundation of our work and is a central component of what we want to teach out students. The Writing Assistance Program at the University of Potsdam provides important and necessary support because students can receive custom-tailored help and advice. I find it particularly helpful that the Writing Assistance Program team is able to focus on the subject-specific aspects of writing, and that they work closely with the academic departments.”
Prof. Dr. Nicole Waller, Faculty of Arts, Professor for American Literature and Culture