What should a writing center space look like?

I stumbled upon a presentation by Daytona State College that really captured my interest in its mere format: http://prezi.com/0dtegbimclol/swca-conference/


Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think--what could we use such software for?

Risky Blogging

So, I want to post a cool site a friend (shout out to Prof. Ray!) emailed to me the other day. I stumbled on it again while I skimmed the Wcenter Digest this morning:

The Oatmeal.

Sweet, eh? Unless, of course, you knew about this two months ago . . . then, I look, well, old and out of the loop . . . why does blogging feel so risky at times?

Advice to Tutors

I am taking an English course this quarter in Lancaster, and the professor of the class is unlike anyone I have met before in my academic career. As a writing tutor, we are encouraged to assist students in various areas of their papers. It seems most of the students probably wouldn't utilize the learning center if not told about it's existence and required by their professor to at least show up here once. In my English course, the professor does not recommend that students see tutors, or have their peers look at current papers because any influence could destroy the writers voice. At the same time, some do not know how to begin to use their voice and that's where tutors come in. We sort of present guidelines, a lens or perspective as a starting point. It does take a lot to be criticized, and it is indeed difficult to come into a writing center under the impression that someone else is going to tear their writing piece apart. I almost feel torn this winter session because my professor has a viewpoint that is an extreme opposite on the spectrum of helping other writers. There has got to be a balance somewhere in there that addresses helping a student without destroying their voice. Not everyone is a writer!

Re: Ron Maxwell's Advice to Tutors video

I completely agree with Ron Maxwell's advice to tutors. In every class presentation I give I try to emphasize the fact that although we are tutors we are students as well. I make it clear that we are not perfect and our goal is to make the writer stronger, not judge. To these fresh (and sometimes frighted) students there tends to linger a misconception that we are writing scoffers set to criticizes and loudly point out flaws. So many times, and I know this from personal experience, English students pour themselves into their projects. The thought of presenting these personal and loved ideas to a complete stranger, especially one who's perceived goal is to point out flaws, can be a terrifying prospect. I think this ideas is the reason for some of the distant attitudes I have come across from students "just needing a slip". It is something of a defense against what they think is coming.

It is important for our fellow students to understand that we are still in the learning process too. Many times I have learned as much from a session as the student across from me. I think if more students could see us as just another person from class and less as the writing henchman, we would all be more comfortable from the start. And let's face it, we all benefit from a friendly, comfy tutoring session.

On Ron Maxwell's Advice to Tutors

PeerCentered: Ron Maxwell's Advice to Tutors

“Respect the writer.” 

This should be our mantra.

As tutors and peers to our tutees, we know what criticism can do. Tutees must know that they can come to tutors in confidence and be aware that we tutors are not here to tear apart their work; we are truly here to help. It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help in many situations; therefore, we need to respect the fact that students have come to us and have entrusted us to assist them.