Writing Center Theory #7

"Tutoring during Emotionally Charged Sessions" by Corinne Agostinelli, Helen Poch, and Elizabeth Santoro

I think it's important for current and prospective tutors to read articles like this in order to see the unpleasant/challenging side of tutoring. Not all tutoring sessions will be perfect. Not all students will be arrive at the writing center eager for criticism (or what they believe is a personal attack). The tutor won't always like what the tutee is writing about. In fact, the tutor may find the tutee completely inappropriate and offensive. This article provides plenty of ideas on how to deal with issues that may occur when tutoring. The main goal of the tutor is to focus on the writing and remain respectful. Tutees don't show up at the writing center to entertain tutors with delightful stories, they're there to talk about writing.