Researching Academic Writing within a Structured Programme: Insights and outcomes

Abstract

In spite of the contemporary emphasis on publishing to enhance individual and institutional profiles, there is little in the British literature on the nature and process of academic writing. Nor is there sufficient research or support for academics aiming to improve quality and productivity in writing. The Writing for Publication (WfP) programme described in this article aims to enable academic writers to improve their public output. Evaluation of the programme provides evidence of success in terms of 'hard' outcomes, such as journal publications and conference presentations, and 'soft' outcomes such as increased confidence and motivation, improved strategies for productive writing and increased self-knowledge through reflection. There is also an observed impact on local research cultures. Monitoring of individuals throughout the programme provided data on academic writing processes. This research suggests that a structured programme in writing development can enable academics to improve their written output and writing process.