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Intellectual Tug of War: Snapshots of Life in the Center

Intellectual Tug of War: Snapshots of Life in the Center. An Article by Elizabeth H. Boquet. Bad Sessions. It is unlikely that every single tutoring session will be perfect. Bad tutoring sessions are bound to happen.

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Intellectual Tug of War: Snapshots of Life in the Center

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  1. Intellectual Tug of War:Snapshots of Life in the Center An Article by Elizabeth H. Boquet

  2. Bad Sessions • It is unlikely that every single tutoring session will be perfect. Bad tutoring sessions are bound to happen. • Bad sessions are imperative in that they result in some of the most valuable learning experiences.

  3. Role of “Peer Tutor” • The term “peer tutor” is somewhat of a contradiction in terms. • Being a peer tutor is a difficult situation because the tutor must act as a teacher without the authority of a teacher and also as a peer with superior skills and experience. • Can lead to superiority issues

  4. Balancing Sessions • Each tutoring session is a careful balance between telling the tutee what to do to improve their writing and showing the tutee how to help themselves • When is it OK to simply tell a student what to do to improve their paper? • Special allowances for ESL? • Is it right to deprive students of knowledge we have that they need in favor of having students learn for themselves?

  5. Bad Assignments • What is the correct course of action if a student comes to the center with a writing assignment that is totally worthless and/or contradicts standard conventions of writing? • Should tutors always back up professors in their writing sessions, regardless of whether professors have outlandish or unrealistic expectations?

  6. Documenting Sessions • Taking the time to document sessions can be a pain • “Reduces a dynamic interpersonal exchange to a mimeographed sheet full of circles and checks” • However, documenting sessions is valuable in that data can be collected that justify the worth of the center • Keeping a record of a bad session can be helpful in case a student or teacher makes a complaint.

  7. Ideology Conflicts • It doesn’t pay to argue with students and aggressively point out their flaws • Try to conduct the session so the student benefits and you also learn about the student’s point of view • Is it OK to give up like Boquet and pass the tutee on to a more receptive tutor?

  8. Issues with Other Tutors • What is the best way to handle disputes with other tutors? • Is it better to deal with them one-on-one or should tutors get the program directors involved? • Is the author being sexist?

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