Rachel Levin, an outreach specialist in Region 3 External Affairs, was invited to serve as a reviewer for a pilot writing course at NCTC, "Critical Writing-Critical Thinking," held July 30-Aug. 3. 

As a reviewer, Levin reviewed assignments written by three students over the course of the week, meeting with each student for a one-on-one evaluation of each assignment.  Written assignments ranged from short summary paragraphs to two-page memos on a variety of Fish and Wildlife Service-related topics.  The class covered writing basics such as a review of grammar and sentence structure, but focused more heavily on critical thinking, organization, precision and clarity in writing, and framing effective arguments.

Each class participant will receive one year of one-on-one coaching to help them continue to improve their writing skills.  Levin was invited to serve as a coach, as well. 

Coaches, reviewers and instructors for the "Critical Writing-Critical Thinking" course were pulled from the ranks of top Service writers from around the nation.  Students in the course represented most Service program areas.  Initial feedback from participants in the course showed that it was well-received, and plans are underway to refine it and make it a permanent offering at NCTC.