Such a setup suggests that you are an ally, not an authoritarian figure
who dispenses advice from behind a desk.
Sitting side by side allows you and the writer to look at the
work in progress together, but you can still position your chairs to
look at one another as you converse. (14)
Once
you are situated, most writing center directors believe the student, not
you the tutor, should hold and maintain control of the paper during the
tutoring session. This prevents the potential for you to do the
student’s work. Students can only
learn to write by doing the writing themselves. This is also true in the
case of a computer conference; the student should control the keyboard as
you sit to one side. Try to avoid holding a pencil and definitely don't hold a red pen!
The
student should be encouraged to read the paper to you; this allows him to
hear what he has written, and often he can begin the revision process at
this point. The student should make corrections and revisions on his own
paper. Another option is for you to read the paper to the student so the
student can hear his own work. The student can then make notes as you read
or can interrupt with questions or comments. If you prefer to read the
student’s paper before you discuss it, encourage him to answer questions
concerning his writing as you read. You can give the student a handout
with questions such as,
-
What
are the strengths of this paper?
Why?
-
What
are the weaknesses? Why?
-
What
am I having trouble with in this paper?
-
What
questions do I want to ask the tutor?
 Click
Tip
A
sample preliminary self evaluation
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