In the Spring of 2012, I became a Writing Center Tutor at Waldorf College. To read more about that click here.
Since then, I’ve worked and loved every minute! But…
What Does a Writing Tutor Actually Do?
- First of all, you get to wear silly hats and help at special events at the college dedicated to homework completion, paper-writing, and anti-procrastination.
- You sit down with students and read their papers aloud, helping them to see errors that they might have overlooked or areas that do not flow as well.
- You work one-on-one, paying special attention to syntax, grammar, spelling, formatting, and paragraph structure.
- You read papers varying from a half page to twenty pages, then work with the student to co-edit his or her work.
- You brainstorm paper topics, assist in formulating a thesis statement, and give strategies for an effective introduction and conclusion.
- You help to edit, revise, and proofread.
- You listen while the student explains his/her work, writing, or rationale.
- You give students a direction in where to revise and schedule additional meetings before the assignment due-date.
- You articulate your ideas as well as the student’s ideas and help the students to take their ideas and mold them into paragraphs.
- You are patient. Incredibly patient.
- And you are the strong and fearless heroes of the English department
I’ve been working in the Writing Center for going on five years now. The job has been filled with opportunities that have showed me how individuals learn, as well as taught me ways of adapting my teaching to fit each student’s unique differences.
I have worked with ELL students, international students, students ages 15-45, and students with learning disabilities. I have acquired a huge knowledge base, including strategies to differentiate learning and make writing and editing relevant to any individual. I love what I do and I’m thankful for this job!