Blog #5 How my tutoring session went

Erin tutored me. She saw that I had problems with Thesis/Focus. She asked me what my piece was really about and gave me a chance to sort out what it was about. I told her that I really did not like the essay that Lunsford wrote. She said that that was "okay' that I didn't have to like it. She suggested that I might list the things that I disliked about it and write from that angle. It was a good session. I watched Erin as she was tutored by Ryan because the class sessions were just starting when I arrived for class.

Looking at my essay, Erin could see that I had some confusion in my focus. The technique that she used worked for me. Erin asked a question, let me think about it, then told me to write what I had said. I had originally written an essay that I was comfortable with before I wrote this one that I thought would be more acceptable.

Blog #4 - What I Learned from My Tutoring Session

My tutoring session was with Dr. Chandler. She helped me to articulate thoughts that I was having trouble putting into words regarding the Lunsford article. I had read “ Collaboration, Control, and the Idea of a Writing Center” by Andrea Lunsford and found it more than a little confusing. Dr. Chandler asked me questions. Her first was; “Did you read the article?” I had. From my responses to her questions it was clear to her that I didn’t get a good understanding of what Lunsford’s position on collaborating writing was. She pointed out areas where I was barely touching on what was being said by the author. I read them over and I was able to get clarity. I have not come to like the piece, but I do understand what the different kinds of writing centers offer. As a result, I am able to say definitively that I do not care for the techniques used in the Storehouse method. I do like aspects of both Garret and Burkean Parlor style writing centers.

Blog # 3 - My Writing Center Philosophy

The environment of a writing center of my own making would have a particular look and feel to it. It would have two parts to it. One part would be set up like a lounge or a large living room with very comfortable sofa type chairs, armchairs and tables. My philosophical writing center would be brightly lit with soft colored walls. There’d be a complimentary cup of coffee and a donut. In the other part, a larger area of the room, there would be some round/square tables with hard chairs where tutor and learner would leave the lounge area and go to for a “one on one.” There’d be all kinds of resource books in the bookcases for the tutoring sessions. All tutors would be trained using a blend of the Burkean Parlor and Garret styles at this writing center. I don’t at this point think there is anything that I would include from the Storehouse technique. It seems for all intents and purposes to be from an era passed.

One major rule that I would include in a writing center that I set up would be: "The learner never wrong." The tutor should be able to take whatever the learner has said or written and put a positive spin on it. Dr. Chandler is a master at this. She never says; "Wrong!" She instead says something like; "I could see that." This does wonders for one's self-esteem. Next she gives the student information that will help the learner get to a better understanding of what is going on.

I also think all tutors should have a checklist, actual or one memorized that each one completes to be sure all bases that need to be covered, are.

Classmates' Blogs

Angela - http://angelapeertutor.blogspot.com

Camille - http://camille-tutor.blogspot.com

Erin - http://erinbutterfly.blogspot.com

Kevin - http://kevinrisse.blogspot.com

Marie - http://marieacot1blogspot.com

Nick - http://nicolasjvasilo.blogspot.com

Stephanie - http://stephy1125.blogspot.com

Vanessa - http://torresv.blogspot.com

Blog #2

I read Andrea Lunsford’s piece, “Collaboration, Control and the Idea of a Writing Center.” While reading the essay, I thought of the times that I have been in informal settings as well as formal settings where I participated in a collaborative process. Using those experiences as a sort of barometer, I was able to understand what she was saying, even though she seemed to flip-flop around with some confusion. She did not take a definitive stand as far as I am concerned. I realize that she is an expert in her field, but all the same, that is what I came away with after reading her report.

Blog #1

I really don't have any questions at this point. I was surprised to find out that the coach learns as much as the learner does. What I would like to know is how I am going to find out what a learner's strengths are.