Stephen North's "The Idea of a Writing Center"

"The essence of the writing center method, then, is talking." (75)

Conversations between a writing consultant and a student is an essential aspect of the tutoring session. I think that the sharing of ideas, experiences, concerns, and goals helps in fostering a good rapport between both parties. This "talking" often goes beyond the strictures of the student's assignment. Many students want to air their grievances, seek advice about courses, vent about their personal life; the list is endless. The important thing that writing consultants should remember is to focus the content of the session in a way that best assists the student.

I think that talking allows the consultant to express new ideas that might add to a student's essay; get the student thinking/viewing the assignment in a different way; clarify vague or unexplained text; and engage the student in joining/adding to the conversation. The student benefits from the conversation because he or she gains a better understanding of the content discussed, learns about the writing process and grammar, and is able to revise errors.

Clearly, both consultant and tutor benefit from "talking" during writing center sessions. Yet the problem often lies in getting the conversation started.

Lisa

October 14, 2010 2:48 PM