Speaking and Writing for English Language Learners (SWELL) Program

A trained peer writing tutor who will help you practice and improve your communication skills through careful analyses of samples of your writing and have conversations with you about it.  

We offer two options.  You can choose one or both:      

• In the “Written Grammar and Style” component, you will meet weekly for 30 minutes with your SWELL Partner.  At the start of the semester, you will share 3 writing samples with your Partner.  Together you will analyze those writing samples to identify 3-5 goals: those might be patterns of grammatical error or questions of style. Each week you will work on better understanding those issues of grammar and style and putting that understanding to use in revising your own prose.  Please note: Your SWELL Partner will not proofread documents for you, but will help you learn to revise your own work.     

• In the “Conversation Partner” program, you will meet weekly for 30 minutes with your SWELL Partner. At the start of the semester, you’ll set some goals for your conversational skills: Do you want to practice casual conversation?  Do you want to work on more formal spoken English?  Do you want to watch clips of movies or tv shows and ask questions about pop culture references or current events?  Whatever your goals, your SWELL partner will give you encouragement and corrective feedback along the way.  Please note: If you would like to attend Conversation Partner meetings with a friend, that is entirely welcome.  

We ask you to commit to meeting once a week (or once every other week) for the full semester.  Of course, we can be flexible if you’re traveling out of town or facing difficult deadlines, but we ask for consistent participation because ongoing, regular practice is an important part of improving written and spoken language skills.  Your SWELL Partner will best be able to learn your strengths and help you with your struggles when you work together over time.  

During the 2024-25 academic year we will be offering both in person and online options depending on tutor availability and student preference. You’ll be matched with a trained peer writing tutor available at times you suggest.      

It's easy: just complete this online application. Priority will be given to those who complete the application by F Jan 31, 2025.  Any subsequent applications will be processed on a rolling basis

If you have any questions, please contact us.