reading response 2

I agreed with some of the content in the beginning of this week's reading assignment. I mostly identified with those discussing the tutor's need to empathize with the student they are helping (9). I find this to be a very important skill and believe that many tutors probably experienced the same type of difficult situation at some point in their school career. Page ten mentions the tendency of some tutors to jump into what they have to say before thoroughly hearing the point the client is trying to get across. This can easily lead to tutors putting words into the mouths of their clients. A few of the sessions I observed have had this kind of problem happening. There were a few times I could tell the client did not want to use the phrase the tutor kept suggesting. I worry that this could cause a student to feel slightly bullied, but perhaps this is just my tendency to bring my stubbornness into a situation.

I was particularly interested in the section discussing ethical differences between consultant and client (10). Learning how to correctly handle this situation will be very valuable. This is another topic that can be brought outside of the writing center. Politics are a particularly sticky subject for conversation and many people, such as myself, believe that there is a specific time and place to do so. I do not think that the writing center is such a place. I agree that voicing the opposing side's position to the writer will help them form a stronger argument. However, I disagree that "we would be doing the students a disservice by not voicing our own opinions" (10). If I took a political paper to a writing center I would honestly not be very interested to hear the views of the consultant. At this point, I think, the consultant and client should work with the text and the ideas of the client.

Keeping in mind that not everyone is alike, it is very important to remember that some students are fragile and take it personally when their writing is criticized (19). I know I have been in this position before and have been really upset at comments left on my paper. However, I would much rather have a writing consultant give me criticism than let me turn in an inadequate paper. This would hurt my feelings much more. For example, today I observed a session that turned into editing because the paper needed quite a bit of help, which the client was well aware of. I would feel bad if I let someone walk out of the writing center with such a paper untouched. Before she left the session she said she learned more here than in any of her classes. All we did was editing and proofreading with explanations... something to think about.

This being said... I disagreed with many of the things that define minimalist tutoring. Hands on learning and interaction are the preferred methods for me. The end of this essay entitled "Defensive Minimalist Tutoring" just seemed silly to me. If I were to go to a writing center for help, regardless of my attitude, and a tutor acted in the ways described in this section; I am pretty sure I would get up and leave. Although, I have no doubt that this method is effective for some consultants and clients. I just don't think it would be effective for me, but you never know.