Lately I have been finding myself frusterated with reading theory on how to tutor, and I just want to start tutoring. That being said I think I will begin my co-consulting/ primary consulting next week.
The most recent article that we have read was by Fox and illustrated many interessting points. The most resounding point for me was one that I feel we have already talked relatively extensively about. It was the concept and issues surrounding tutoring ELL writers. The main argument is that ELL writers bring aspects of their native culture, that may be different from American culture, into their academic writing. These cultural differences can feel strange to American readers and ENS tutors are often quick to focus on the differences brought about by the language devide. Of course I agree that all academic papers do not have to perfectly fit into the mode of American academic papers. However, I still feel it is authoritarian of the American tutor to choose to overlook certain aspect of a non native speakers paper that seem foreign or uncomfortable. The vast majority, if not all, of the clients that enter MSU's writing center are there to improve the grade that they may get on their assingment. Therefor, how can a tutor willing choose to overlook an aspect of a paper that the paper's grader may not choose to overlook.
It is the turor's job to assist with the client's paper how ever the client may feel is necessary (within reason, of course). The tutor has a responsibility to mention aspects of the writer's paper that may catch the eyes of another another reader, but the final decision of what is submitted in the paper is entirely up to the writer.
Friday, October 24, 2008
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