Welcome back, Writing Tutors Extraordinaire. Here we are starting a brand new semester with many adventures in writing awaiting us.
In these opening weeks thus far, I’ve been noticing that both our new and returning students are exhibiting a great desire for us to sit right by them as they write their essays word by word. It’s good tutoring to sit with someone and brainstorm together, make a list, fill out a graphic organizer, develop a thesis, find a direction, etc., but once it comes to the composing stage, it’s time to set the student free to write by him or herself. This is painful and scary for students who sometimes see us as a sort of talisman for successful writing. But I encourage you to hold the line, not only because there may be several students waiting for help, but more importantly because it does the student a disservice by perpetuating the idea that he or she is not able to write alone. Once the student has reached the composing stage and is ready to head in a certain direction, kindly draw yourselves away. Feel free to check on the student, to say that you will come back in ten minutes, or to call out a “how are you doing?” periodically. Tell the student why you are doing what you are doing. It might seem like tough love but in the bigger picture it will serve the student better.
No comments:
Post a Comment