Clarence, S. & Dyson, L. (Eds.). (2017). Writing Centres in Higher Education: Working in and across disciplines. Stellenbosch, South Africa: African Sun Media

• Main Author: Annsilla Nyar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Journal of Student Affairs in Africa 2019-01-01
• Series: Journal of Student Affairs in Africa
• Online Access: https://www.journals.ac.za/index.php/jsaa/article/view/3315

A frustrated undergraduate student asked me in 2012: “Why is writing a paper at university so incredibly difficult?” It is only now, six years later, upon reading this excellent book that I feel fully equipped as a higher education professional to answer this age-old question in an informed and comprehensive manner. Certainly other higher education scholars and practitioners will similarly find the book of immense value to their work. It also provides an understanding of some of the complexity of academic reading and writing processes, particularly so in the South African context where lack of proficiency in English is seen as a barrier to student success. It is for this reason that this book is a most welcome addition to South African theory and pedagogy in the teaching and learning space. There is a need in South Africa to begin a truly national conversation about writing and this book would serve as a useful anchor for this type of conversation.