MLA Basics

The Process

The MLA Basics content was designed to fulfill elements of the NC Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) for first semester composition (ENG 111) which states, in part: this course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process.  This course will also introduce students to the skills needed to produce a college-level research essay.  

The original course resources were developed through a backwards course design and a growth  mindset. These materials also considered the community college population's budget. They were produced with public domain and OER resources obtained via terrific assistance from librarian SMEs.  

The materials I created for this lesson have been utilized by other instructors and have been embedded into a variety of learning management systems, including Blackboard and Brightspace. I continued to iterate and revise these materials after feedback from my fellow instructors and to address the changing needs of students for possible use in person, online, or in hybrid modalities during all stages of remote pandemic learning. While I was also teaching the material, I collected data from students via surveys and interviews which I could then correlate to course data. Those students who did engage with the resources, especially while reviewing their papers, improved over the course of a semester.

Once I had began working more formally in instructional design and had access to Articulate Storyline, I converted my MLA resources into an interactive learning tool. This format reduces cognitive load by condensing text-based content in favor of more visuals, practice, and low-stakes knowledge testing.

ENG 111 - Week 2 (of 8) - The Writing Process

Introduction to MLA

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate the critical use and examination of printed, digital, and visual materials;

• Locate, evaluate, and incorporate relevant sources with proper documentation;

• Collaborate actively in a writing community. 

Week 2 - The Writing Process 

• Read: 

  • Textbook -  Topic 8 - The Writing Process - 8.1, 8.3; 

  • Topic 9 - Preparing to Write - 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.6, 9.8; 

  • Topic 10 - Finding a Focus - 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6; and 

  • Topic 23 - MLA Documentation (Preview as a reference).

• Review:  

  • Writing Process Prezi

  • MLA Basics Checklist Google Slideshow 

• Complete: 

  • MLA Quiz

  • Finding the Focus Discussion (Includes Rubric)

Bonus Material

Converting a Paper into MLA (YouTube 12:00)