Reflections on Being Tutored

Last week I had two opportunities to experience what is is like to be in the writer’s position at the Writing Session. Our in-class exercise on Wednesday was the first time I’ve really taken the time to sit down and go over my writing with another person in a long time. Even when time isn’t an issue, I’m generally uncomfortable showing others my unfinished work. In the case of this particular draft, the fact that it was only half written actually made things easier. Part of the paper was still in the outline stage, so I could focus on my ideas and organization, rather than writing style or word choices.

My partner served as a sounding board for my ideas, helping me clarify my thoughts and refocus my argument. Just explaining my reasoning to someone else helped solidify my argument in my own mind. The questions she asked were insightful and gave me a better perspective as to how a reader might understand what I had written. Together, we restructured the way I had organized my paper, which I think made it more effective. The experience itself was more comfortable than I would have thought possible. It felt more like a discussion than a tutoring session.

After applying some of the changes we discussed in class, I took my revised draft to the Library Writing Center. Even after my positive experience in class, I was still nervous about presenting my draft to someone I would be working with in the future. The consultant I worked with was someone I already knew, which surprisingly made things more comfortable, not less. Since she knew I’m a Professional Writing major, and that I’m starting to work at the Writing Center, she felt like we could focus more on the organization and the ideas behind it. Lower order concerns were for the most part ignored.

I started by explaining the assignment itself, and the reasoning behind my writing. Our discussion allowed me to gauge how well I had implemented the recommendations from the first consulting session. Like the first session, this one felt like an exchange of ideas. It was like I had gone to a friend for advice, rather than a tutor for expertise. With carefully worded questions, the consultant got me to think about why I had written what I had. Though our session was only a half hour, I felt like she hit upon some very important points. I was impressed by how she could use just a few questions to get me to see my paper in completely different light. I left the session with a lot to think about and a lot of ideas for improving my work. Given how painless the experience was, I feel like I’d be more willing to visit the Writing Center on my own in the future.