Faculty Biographies

Debra Anderson
Division of Humanities and Education
Associate Professor of English

Office: B214
Extension: x2445

Education:
M.A. English, Salem State College
B. A. Philosophy, Boston College

Philosophy:
Having been a first-generation college student, I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable and respected. In my experience, fear prohibits honest reflection. Further, I value accountability both in terms of our roles (student and teacher) in the class and as well as in our work as individuals.

Courses Taught:
CSS 11 College Success Seminar: The Meaning of Work

ENG 11 Composition I: College Writing

Affiliations:
Conference on College Composition and Communication
National Council of Teachers of English
Two-Year College Association

Publications:

Books

College Culture, Student Success. Boston: Pearson Longman, 2008.

Journal Articles

“Assessing Service-Learning: One Approach for Service-Learning Students in a Basic Writing Course.” Update: Lash Center for Teaching and Learning Newsletter

“Colloquia: Conversations on Teaching and Learning.” with Elizabeth Kemper French. 2003

Other Materials

“Tutoring Strategies for Independent Learning, an Online professional development course.” Canter and Associates, 1999.

Poems

“For Anne Sexton and Her Kind.” Soundings East 1994 : 4.

Presentations:

Panel Discussions

"Five Colleges Collaborate in Freshman Writing" The Ninth Annual Community College Conference on Teaching, Learning and Student Development. Worcester, MA (April 7, 2006)

"Books Can Change Lives" Bristol Community College Professional Day. Bristol Community College Fall River, MA (March 29, 2006)

Presentations

"Connect:† Establishing Common Outcome Goals and Rubrics for First-Year English" 2nd Annual Assessment Conference. Southern Maine Community College South Portland, ME (April 15, 2005)

"Norming Without Conforming: Coordinating a Portfolio Assessment Project When Faculty Participation is Voluntary" Conference on College Composition and Communication. San Francisco, CA (March 16, 2005)

"Conversations About Common Outcomes in First Year English at Five Colleges" New England Faculty Development Consortium. Westford Regency Conference Center Worcester, MA (November 17, 2006)

"Changing Realities: Expanding the Audience While Deepening the Writing Realities of Common Outcomes for First-Year English" Conference on College Composition and Communication. New Orleans, LA (April 5, 2008)

Awards:
Massachusetts Colleges Online Course of Distinction Award Recipient, 2005.
National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award Recipient, 2002.
Bristol Community College's Silver Shield Award Recipient, 2002

Interests: