Writers bring more than just their papers to the tutoring session. Difficult situations are inevitable, but there are strategies that you can use.

The Last Minute Help-Seeker

Be kind. Be sympathetic and evaluate what you can reasonably accomplish in the time you have.

Consider alternative options. If the paper is due in mere hours, discuss the possibility of requesting an extended deadline.

Help the writer plan better for next time. Offer strategies to aid the writing process.

Don’t lecture the writer about time-management.

Unresponsiveness

What do you do when the writer is inattentive and not engaged?

Patience is key. Make sure the writer knows you’re here to help, not hurt.

Keep the writing session short and sweet.

Engage the writer, ask them questions and keep them talking.

Don’t get angry and don’t go quiet because you’re mad.

When they turn their frustrations on you…

Writing can be extremely frustrating for some and expectations of them may seem too demanding or even impossible.

Always be patient.

In the Bedford Guide they explain many ways writers learn. Below are the summaries.

Visual Strategies-This writer learns best with visual stimulation, try to use bright colors, taking notes or jotting down examples

Auditory Strategies-This writer learn best with sound, use techniques like reading notes aloud and recording sessions to take with them for example

Kinesthetic Strategies-This writer learn best through writing notes down, for this learner have them write ideas on sticky notes and have them highlight or underline stories

By: Elizabeth Grissom and Aj Devivo

Here are some types of papers you may come across as a writing tutor!

Research Papers: The writer will need to do research, use that research and create a paper that embodies the work done. Proper documentation is one of the most important parts of a research paper.

Lab Reports or Scientific papers: Often scientific papers need to document your results of a scientific experiment and communicate its importance. Lab reports are typically shorter than scientific papers.

Argument and Position papers: These papers require you to write about debatable issues such as required curfews for teens or causes of global climate change. These papers aim to get readers to have a different perspective on an issue or topic.

Literature papers: These types of papers analyze, interpret, or evaluate a text answering questions asked. The writer should answer questions with meaningful and persuasive analysis.

Book, Film, and Play Reviews: Reviews allows readers to decide if they want to read a book, see a movie or play. It addresses the purpose, idea, or theme and judges its quality by pointing out strengths and weaknesses.

Group Writing Projects: Tutors should be able to inform students of most of the information they will need, including procedures a group may need to follow and what the final product should contain.

Digital or Multimodel Environments: Assignments may ask the writer to compose a digital or multimodel environment to move along from a linear analog model that has multiple representations of text, video, audio, images, and interactive elements.

Powerpoint and Alternative Platform Presentations: These presentations provide information, explores research, teach concepts, and proposes a course of action. Offers a visual guideline using videos, pictures, etc to express a point.

Resumes: Resumes are designed to get you a job interview, they allow and employer to get an idea of your educational and work history while also providing information such as special skills, rewards, and interests.

Cover Letters: A resume must always have a cover letter. These should clearly state the position you are running for, mention how you learned about it and explain how your qualifications fit the job description.

Application Essays and Personal Statements: Writers often need help with essays for applications for college, graduate programs, undergraduate programs, etc.

A tutor’s role changes from appointment to appointment. Heres a few tips for each role a tutor plays.

The Ally – A friend, someone on your side

The Coach – Help you do the work for yourself and work through issues

The Commentator – Keeps you on track and see the whole paper

The Collaborator – Engage the writer and discuss

The Writing Expert – Learn along with the student and model asking for help is good

The Learner – Being unfamiliar with the topic makes you a good audience and if you are familiar with the topic don’t interject too much. Be willing to learn along with them.

The Counselor – Be willing to listen and hear what they have to say and try to give advice on what you do know. Provide them with the resources you have.

By: Kendall, Laura, Owen

By: Elizabeth Grissom, Makayla Towns, and Aj Devivo

Professionalism Towards the Writer

When writers arrive be pleasant and courteous, writers may be uneasy so be careful with your tone. Avoid sarcasm! If you are working online be aware of your tone as well. Greet each writer cheerfully, you can be relaxed but avoid being informal. Avoid negative comments, don’t discuss the writer’s information with others. What happens in the writing center stays in the writing center.

Professionalism Towards Other Tutors

Report to work on time, follow the procedures and rules of the workplace. Be aware of the volume of your voice and tidy up your workspace. Help out to the best of your abilities and help out your fellow tutors if they are having trouble. Overall be PROFESSIONAL.

Professionalism Towards Teachers

Teachers need to avoid writing any part of a student’s paper no matter what. As a tutor, try not to have a negative tone or comments towards the teacher’s work. You can still support the student without attacking the teacher. Allow the writer to express frustrations with their teacher. Don’t assign a grade to a paper that isn’t your job as a tutor your job is to help them.

By: Alayna Rainey, Gabriella Gayoso, Noe’ Varner

1. Asking Questions

Asking questions is an important tool in understanding the writer, their writing process, and the assignment.

Closed V. Open Questions

A closed question doesn’t require a descriptive answer. It has answers like yes or no; are limited and specific.

An open question helps the tutor understand the writer’s attitude and performance.

Examples of closed questions from the Bedford Guide

• “How long does your paper have to be?”
• “Do you have a description of your assignment?”

Examples of open questions from the Bedford Guide

• “What can I help you with?”
• “How is the class going so far?”
• “Is there anything you’re struggling with in your writing?”

Getting Started
-Introduce yourself
-Be friendly
-Remain professional, yet casual

By: Audrey J., Walker L., and Abbie E.