On 20 August 2025, SEGi College Penang proudly hosted a professional development workshop titled “Enhancing Academic Writing Across Disciplines: Strategies for Effective Student Support.” The half-day session was conducted by Professor Paul Kei Matsuda, Professor of English and Director of Second Language Writing at Arizona State University. The workshop was designed to strengthen lecturers’ ability to support and guide students in academic writing across various disciplines.
The initiative aimed to equip lecturers with practical tools and strategies to help students improve their writing skills and academic communication. It also provided an opportunity to identify common challenges that students face and to explore effective, discipline-specific solutions. By focusing on collaboration and the integration of writing support within diverse subject areas, the workshop sought to empower educators to guide students with greater confidence and clarity.
Throughout the session, Professor Matsuda emphasised the importance of understanding writing as both a process and a skill that develops over time. He shared valuable insights from his global experience in second language writing and higher education, inspiring participants to adopt innovative approaches when mentoring students. His engaging style and practical advice encouraged lecturers to reflect on their own teaching methods and adapt them to better support student learning.
Participants took part in interactive discussions, group activities, and hands-on exercises that explored a wide range of writing challenges. They practised feedback techniques, examined examples of student writing, and discussed the role of academic writing in different disciplines. The session provided a safe and stimulating environment for lecturers to exchange ideas and develop strategies for effective writing instruction.
The workshop also highlighted the significance of constructive feedback in the learning process. Professor Matsuda demonstrated how timely and actionable feedback can motivate students to improve and take ownership of their academic growth. By applying these techniques, lecturers can foster a supportive learning atmosphere that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
A lively Q&A session concluded the event, offering participants the chance to share their own classroom experiences and best practices. This open exchange encouraged collaboration among educators and strengthened the sense of community within SEGi College Penang’s academic network. It also reinforced the idea that improving students’ writing abilities is a collective effort that benefits from shared expertise and continuous reflection.
This workshop reflects SEGi College Penang’s strong commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. By providing opportunities for staff development and engagement with global experts, the college continues to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Through initiatives like this, SEGi reaffirms its dedication to nurturing both educators and students in achieving academic success and lifelong learning.
This initiative also contributes to two important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 Quality Education
- SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals