About Me
I am an English language educator with a specialization in second language learning and writing center pedagogy. I have been living and working in Qatar since 2005 at various institutions, including Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, the Academic Bridge Program, Berlitz Language Center, and more. I currently work in the writing center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. I am also pursuing a PhD in English (Composition & TESOL) at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Current Research
My primary interests are learner motivation, second language learning, and writing center pedagogy. My current project is based on my dissertation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a very tentative title for my dissertation is "Exploring Faculty Perceptions of American Medical University in Qatar’s Writing Center through a Sociocultural and Social Capitalist Framework". I am also working on a research project entitled "Exploring ELLs' Writing Center Experiences in Qatar Through a Sociocultural Framework".
I am also currently developing a peer writing tutor program at VCUQatar, and I am co-founder of the Qatar Peer Educator Network in Writing (QPEN-W) (in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and Texas A&M University in Qatar.
I am also currently developing a peer writing tutor program at VCUQatar, and I am co-founder of the Qatar Peer Educator Network in Writing (QPEN-W) (in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and Texas A&M University in Qatar.
Publications
McHarg, M. (2011). "Second Language Pre-Writing Activity for All Ages, All Levels." Second Language Writing News. TESOL, Inc.
McHarg, M. (2011). "Professional Development: An Arab Perspective in the United States." Perspectives (TESOL Arabia publication), Vol. 18, No. 3, November 2011. p. 53. ISSN: 1813-1913.
McHarg, M. (2011). "Money Doesn't Matter." Praxis: A Writing Center Journal, Spring, Vol. 8, Issue 2.
McHarg, M. (2011). “Access EAP: Foundations” book review. Perspectives (TESOL Arabia publication), Vol. 18, No. 1, January 2011. Pp. 36-7. ISSN: 1813-1913.
Nebel, A. & McHarg, M. (2010). Career Development for Students at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar . Middle East North Africa Writing Centers Alliance, 2(1), 9-10. Available at http://menawca.org/resources/Newsletter+-+Spring+10.pdf
Professional Presentations
- _Panel Presenter, “The Work of the Writing Center: Facilitating Autonomous Learning”, Qatar TESOL; accepted for April 2012 conference
- Qatar TESOL affiliate representative for 2012 TESOL Conference in Philadelphia, PA
- "Developing a Peer Consultant Program in Qatar" Poster Session, TESOL Arabia, Dubai, March 2012
- Panel Presenter, “The Work of the Writing Center”, TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, March 2011
- Participant and Panel presenter for English Teaching Excellence in Qatar Conference, November 2009 (see "2009 Materials-->Transitions Video" for Molly McHarg's video presentation)
- “HELP” Poster Session, TESOL Arabia Conference, March 2008
- “Motivating Language Learners at All Ages” Poster Session, TESOL Arabia Conference, March 2006
- Introduction to the REEP Online Curriculum, REEP In-service Workshop, January 2004 (co-presented)
- Introduction to the REEP Online Curriculum, American University Spring TESOL Workshop, April 2004
Positions Held
Middle East North Africa Writing Center Alliance (MENAWCA) Executive Secretary, November 2011-present
Qatar TESOL Executive Secretary, 2010-present
Qatar TESOL Newsletter Editor, 2006-2008
Qatar TESOL Membership Director, 2005-2006
Qatar TESOL Executive Secretary, 2010-present
Qatar TESOL Newsletter Editor, 2006-2008
Qatar TESOL Membership Director, 2005-2006
Conferences Attended
4th Biennial International Conference on the Teaching and Learning of English in Asia, Penang, Malaysia, November 2011
Middle East-North Africa Writing Center Alliance (MENAWCA) Conference, United Arab Emirates, February 2011
Technology in Higher Education (THE) Conference, Doha, Qatar, November 2010
Guided Workshop for Research Proposal Writing, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar, April 2010
TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
English for Teaching Excellence (ETE-Q), Doha, Qatar, 2009, 2010
American University Spring TESOL Workshop, Washington, DC, April 2004
TESOL Conference, Baltimore, March 2004
REEP In-service Workshop, Arlington, VA, January 2004
Middle East-North Africa Writing Center Alliance (MENAWCA) Conference, United Arab Emirates, February 2011
Technology in Higher Education (THE) Conference, Doha, Qatar, November 2010
Guided Workshop for Research Proposal Writing, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar, April 2010
TESOL Arabia Conference, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
English for Teaching Excellence (ETE-Q), Doha, Qatar, 2009, 2010
American University Spring TESOL Workshop, Washington, DC, April 2004
TESOL Conference, Baltimore, March 2004
REEP In-service Workshop, Arlington, VA, January 2004
Professional Affiliations
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Member since 2010
College Composition and Communication (CCC) Member since 2010
Middle East-North Africa Writing Center Alliance (MENAWCA) Member since 2008
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Arabia Member since 2005
Qatar TESOL Member since 2005
WATESOL Member since 2003
TESOL Member since 2003
American University TESOL Program Alumni Association Member since 2003
College Composition and Communication (CCC) Member since 2010
Middle East-North Africa Writing Center Alliance (MENAWCA) Member since 2008
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Arabia Member since 2005
Qatar TESOL Member since 2005
WATESOL Member since 2003
TESOL Member since 2003
American University TESOL Program Alumni Association Member since 2003
Awards/Grants Received
International Travel Grant, TESOL Arabia, 2012
Professional Development Course Grant, TESOL Arabia, 2011
IUP Graduate School Professional Development Fund Grant, 2011, 2012
TESOL Arabia Travel Grant (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011)
Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) Grant (Qatar Foundation), 2006
Jim Weaver Scholarship for Professional Development (WATESOL 2004)
Honorable Mention for Best Thesis award; African Studies Certificate Program (Georgetown University, May 2001)
Professional Development Course Grant, TESOL Arabia, 2011
IUP Graduate School Professional Development Fund Grant, 2011, 2012
TESOL Arabia Travel Grant (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011)
Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) Grant (Qatar Foundation), 2006
Jim Weaver Scholarship for Professional Development (WATESOL 2004)
Honorable Mention for Best Thesis award; African Studies Certificate Program (Georgetown University, May 2001)
