CU students gain learning experience by leading LAHC writing workshop

Members of The Writer's Studio, a student organization at Cameron University, are building resumes and gaining experience, thanks to a project conducted in conjunction with the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council.

Under the direction of Leah Chaffins, an associate professor in CU's Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages, the students lead "Techniques of Fiction" workshops at Lawton's Carnegie Library on Tuesday evenings.

The fiction-writing workshop is part of a larger program headed by Jason Poudrier, arts and humanities director for the City of Lawton, who has been working with local artists to provide workshops for interested area citizens. Attendees pay $50 tuition for six weekly sessions.

"I taught one of these workshops last year," said Chaffins, "so when Jason asked if I would be interested in doing it again, I asked if my students could teach some of the classes under my guidance. He thought it was a fabulous idea."

The LAHC normally pays instructors $500 to teach the six sessions making up the workshop, so Chaffins offered to donate $100 to The Writer's Studio each time a student volunteered to teach one of the sessions.

Students were required to attend the first session and watch Chaffins so that they had an idea of what was required. After that, they were able to sign up to teach a session themselves. So far, two students - Rachel Nunn of Marlow and Julian Ebacher of Cement - have signed up.

Chaffins helped them develop lesson plans, and is present during the class to guide and coach students if needed.

"Teaching the workshop was exciting," Nunn said. "I was a little nervous, but I was able to overcome that quickly because some of the other Writer's Studio students were present. It was also helpful to see the first class session when Professor Chaffins modelled what was expected. It allowed me to work on the project by myself.

"I also enjoyed the experience of seeing the discussion that developed at the end of my class session in which all class members participated and shared."

Thanks to Nunn and Ebacher, Chaffins has given $200 to The Writer's Studio's account so far. If two more students volunteer, the organization could ultimately make $400.

"That's a lot of bake sales," Chaffins laughed.

While it helps The Writer's Studio financially, Chaffins noted, it helps students gain important experiential learning. They also get something they can use to begin building a resume.

"Further, it gets our students out where the locals can see CU students doing community work," said Chaffins. "It's a great opportunity for everyone."

PR#26-035