The writing centre as a third space in higher education: An autoethnographic reflection.
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| Title: | The writing centre as a third space in higher education: An autoethnographic reflection. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Nendauni, L.1 |
| Source: | South African Journal of Higher Education. Jun2026, Vol. 40 Issue 3, p301-201. 201p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Writing centers, *Educational support, *Academic discourse, *Student development, *Sociocultural theory, *Higher education, Autoethnography, Professional identity |
| Abstract: | Writing centres in higher education are often perceived as remedial spaces, yet they play a far more complex role in supporting student learning and shaping professional identities. In this article, I use autoethnography to explore how writing centres function as Third Spaces that blur the boundaries between teaching, academic development, and student support. Drawing on Third Space Theory and Academic Literacies Theory, I critically reflect on my experiences as a writing centre practitioner, examining the institutional positioning of writing centres and the evolving identities of those who work within these spaces. Despite contributing significantly to academic literacy development, writing centre practitioners remain in liminal professional spaces, often caught between academic and administrative roles. Through this reflection, I highlight how writing centres challenge deficit-based institutional narratives and foster student agency beyond the classroom. I propose that universities should move beyond the service-based model of writing centres and recognise them as intellectual spaces that play a critical role in academic development. I argue that through formally acknowledging writing centre practitioners as Third Space professionals, institutions can enhance their legitimacy and impact, strengthening their role in fostering inclusive, student-centred approaches to academic literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of South African Journal of Higher Education is the property of Sabinet Online Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
| FullText | Links: – Type: pdflink Text: Availability: 0 |
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| Header | DbId: ehh DbLabel: Education Research Complete An: 195007874 AccessLevel: 6 PubType: Academic Journal PubTypeId: academicJournal PreciseRelevancyScore: 0 |
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| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Identifiers: – Type: doi Value: 10.20853/40-3-7265 Languages: – Code: eng Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 201 StartPage: 301 Subjects: – SubjectFull: Writing centers Type: general – SubjectFull: Educational support Type: general – SubjectFull: Academic discourse Type: general – SubjectFull: Student development Type: general – SubjectFull: Sociocultural theory Type: general – SubjectFull: Higher education Type: general – SubjectFull: Autoethnography Type: general – SubjectFull: Professional identity Type: general Titles: – TitleFull: The writing centre as a third space in higher education: An autoethnographic reflection. Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Nendauni, L. IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 06 Text: Jun2026 Type: published Y: 2026 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 10113487 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 40 – Type: issue Value: 3 Titles: – TitleFull: South African Journal of Higher Education Type: main |
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