Blog 6: Schendel, Bib, and Peh

 Summary

    In Schendel's article, she mainly talks about different techniques that writing center tutors use when conducting a session, and which techniques they prefer. Specifically, tutoring techniques when working on grammar and mechanics. The most used techniques include explaining errors for the writer or explaining a strategy to correct errors, and more. The least used techniques often involve taking extra time to go over grammar such as completing an exercise or seeking outside help. This article emphasizes the importance of the confidence and comfort of a tutor when they teach grammar and mechanics. This would result in the confidence and comfort in the student as well.

    Bib's article talks about a survey for writing tutors about the most effective way to teach writing. The survey found that most tutors believed that a comprehensive model of tutoring would be best for students. This comprehensive way of tutoring includes a holistic approach to teaching writing, where grammar and style are included, but are not at the forefront and not given high priority. This method of tutoring gives priority to HOC or higher order concerns, and less priority to LOC or lower order concerns (such as grammar and style). The purpose of this article is to suggest new methods of tutoring, such as the comprehensive model, to improve writing centers based on what tutors and teachers think.

    Peh's essay briefly talks about how teaching grammar in the writing center changed during the pandemic when life shifted to a virtual setting. Specifically, she discusses the process of proofreading. A technique she described using was reading the writing out loud to fix grammar stakes which allowed the writer to fix mistakes in "a low-pressure way". Essentially, her and the student would have a conversation to proofread and discuss grammar mistakes.

Comment

    I agree that a comprehensive method would be the best for all types of students. I appreciate how the comprehensive model caters to each students needs, because there are "individualized consultations on specific issues". Each student learns differently and needs to be catered to in order for them all to succeed. I also like how the comprehensive model has this no pressure aspect when it comes to using perfect grammar, because I am familiar with stressing out over the expectation of perfect grammar.

Question

   It seems as though in college you are expected to be more well versed in grammar, so how would tutoring writing differ in a high school where there is less expectation? Would a comprehensive method of tutoring work in a high school setting or would another method work better?