Writing Center Observation #2

By the time i entered this observation, I had gained a much clearer view of what a writing consulting should do to help the student. This time, I was able to observe how a tutor would respond to the student looking for an editor, for someone to write in grammatical corrections. The tutor I observed was very charismatic and friendly. He asked the student to read the paper out loud, having the student fix most of the grammatical errors himself right away.

After that was solved, the tutor began asking him questions to get the student to think less about grammar and more about arrangement and content. A tutor must be able to maintain the students attention and keep the student involved in his or her paper during the session. The tutor constantly asked questions and supported the students answers positively (something I have noticed with every tutor I have met so far).

What I found most interesting was that in both sessions I observed a student who was an ESL student. The tutor I observed had mentioned many students who come to the writing center speak English as a second language. This may require more attention from the tutor. Those learning a second language, as I have experienced myself, often struggle with grammar. The student may want to just focus on grammatical errors, and may need more help from the tutor to look at other aspects of the writing. The tutor I observed seemed very experienced working with such students.

I think I would be able to guide someone away from editing/grammar. I have learned a lot these past few weeks about how to work with others and how to guide a student to focus on his or her writing in all aspects. Keeping a student focused on his or her writing seems to me the most important objective. The student will be able to learn on his or her own and hopefully apply and skills learned from the session on future work.