New book by CMU-Q researchers presents a functional perspective on teaching analytical writing

DOHA, QATAR – Three long-serving faculty members at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) have published a new book based on more than a decade of research. The book, titled Analysis and argument in first-year writing and beyond: A functional perspective, published by the University of Michigan Press, offers practical tools and a framework for teaching and assessing analytical writing. 

Silvia Pessoa, Thomas Mitchell and Maria Pía Gómez-Laich are all English teaching professors at CMU-Q, a Qatar Foundation partner university. For more than a decade, the team has worked with CMU-Q students and faculty members to improve the way students write analysis and argument in their coursework.

Pessoa, who has taught at CMU-Q for twenty years, recognized that many students did not fully understand what their professors were asking for in writing assignments: “We followed the Class of 2013 throughout their four years to learn how the writing progressed. We saw that in different disciplines, there are different expectations for writing and analysis, and both faculty and students benefit from a clearer framework and a shared understanding.”

This initial research led to more in-depth studies into teaching and supporting students as they learn to write discipline-specific arguments. The team has received several grants from Qatar National Research Fund’s National Priorities Research Program and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Seed Funding, and they have published more than 40 scholarly articles on the topic.

“This book provides an overview of the challenges students face, and a framework for faculty members to teach writing more effectively, and to assess student writing so it provides constructive feedback,” said Mitchell. “We hope this will be a useful resource for faculty members in a wide variety of disciplines.” 

The team was recently awarded a new three-year Academic Research Grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council to build on their work. Led by Gómez-Laich, the team will develop new research-based tools to scaffold university argumentative writing, including online modules that make these tools accessible and sustainable. 

“Our goal is ultimately for students to have a cohesive undergraduate experience where they learn to communicate clearly and effectively,” said Gómez-Laich. “Proficient writing and thoughtful analysis are fundamental to a quality education, and we believe our body of work helps students better develop these skills.”

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers undergraduate programs in biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems. Students in every major study writing, and written assignments are critical in nearly every discipline.