Writing for publication

Just noticed that the NYTimes has an essay contest running: How Has College Changed You? I haven't before had students submit writing for "real-world" publication (not counting blogs), but I'm thinking I might try it. What other options for possible publication have you suggested to or required of yr students?

Comments

[Jason]

I've never required students to do something like this, but I've suggested it before. I think it's a great idea.

[Beej]

So far, I've only taught developmental courses at my college, so "real world" writing experience is a little ways coming for my students.

However, one experience I had that was very promising was when my Intro to Grad Studies professor required the entire class to submit our final project for the class to an appropriate peer-reviewed journal or conference. The assignment was to take one paper we had written as undergrads and revise and expand it using the research/writing techniques we went over during the course of the semester. It was a fantastic assignment, and it even got a few people bullets on their CVs that early.

By the way, I am adding this site to my blogroll, if that's okay.