Q: Do have any results you are predicting you will get?
A: We don't have an initial hypothesis. In what are called "qualitative studies" like the one we are doing, we hope to develop a full picture of the experiences of rural students in college writing courses. We are open to what the data show.
Q: Are any of the researchers from rural areas?
A: Both researchers grew up in rural areas and taught for many years in a rural college in Wisconsin. Dr. Hassel is from a town in Northern Minnesota and Professor Giordano grew up in Utah.
Q: Why is there an interest in rural student writers? What do you hope to learn from your research?
Q: Is there anything specific that this data is being used for? I'm curious as to why the education of rural students is being studied. I know it is important information to know, but it's interesting to see what the data will be put towards.
A: Because we both taught for many years at a rural college that served students from rural school districts, we are interested in learning more in a systematic way about how the transition to college goes for rural students, particularly through their writing. Becuase students from rural schools attend college at lower rates than those from suburban districts, we want to know more about how college writing courses can be designed to be inclusive and welcoming for all students. Read more details here from our initial research proposal.