Writing Center Theory #2

The Idea of a Writing Center by Stephen North

Talking to Writers

"In short, we are not here to serve, supplement, back up, complement, reinforce, or otherwise be defined by any external curriculum. We are here to talk to writers" (72).

As someone who has never been to a writing center, I had never thought of it as a place to go to talk to someone about writing. I had always imagined it as a place where someone could go to have their papers marked up. Also, I've heard way too many teachers "punish" students by asking them to go to the writing center after getting a bad grade on a paper. Thinking of the writing center as a place for writing therapy, is much more welcoming to someone like me. Who doesn't have a specific issue they need help in? Even I, who am so protective and unsure about my writing, would feel comfortable tackling a specific issue, such as conclusions, with a peer at the writing center. (I hate writing conclusions!!) Teachers need to be well informed as to what goes on at the writing center so that they can advise their students correctly.