A Writing Coach's Guide

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.