Writing Scenario: The Talkative Tutee

The purpose of this scenario is to give the watcher something new to think about. We are all frightened to have quiet, loud, slow, mean, etc. tutees. However, what happens if we have a tutee that talks about everything BUT the assignment she needs help with. The tutee in this scenario comes in without any piece of writing or an assignment sheet. What do we do then? The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors offers various "hats" of tutor that provides roles that a tutor can take on to best help this type of student. Also, The St. Martin's Sourcebook for Writing Tutors offers an article by Andrea Lunsford on how to successfully collaborate with students while in a tutoring session which can be beneficial when students get off topic while talking about their assignment and ideas with the tutor.

References
Ryan, L., Zimmerelli, L.(2010). The bedford guide for writing tutors. New York: Beford/St. Martins.
Murphy, C. Sherwood, S. (2008). The st. martin's sourcebook for writing tutors. New York: Bedford/St. Martins.

Discussion Questions
1. What techniques and approaches can the tutor use to get the student focused on the assignment?
2. What "hats of a tutor" would be most effective in this session?
3. How should a tutor deal with a student who makes inappropriate comments?
4. Should the tutor try to ask about the class or topic rather than the assignment, or do you think that would backfire?
5. Should a tutor be allowed to end a session early if the tutee is not willing to use time productively?

Category:

Education

Tags:

• writing center
• tutoring