Monday, October 12, 2009
Tutoring Observation Analysis
I thought the tutoring observation anaylsis was really helpful. I learned a lot by observing a consultant with a client, and the session I viewed really helped me understand how working collaboratively is the key aspect of being an effective and successful tutor. There have been so many times when I've seen a tutor reading over a student's paper while the student is texting away on their cell phone or just gazing around the room. There's no way a session like this can be helpful for either person. I learned that you can't just do something for someone else. When a tutor just corrects grammar errors or just does their paper for them, then they're not truly learning how to fix their mistakes and when the next assignment rolls around, then they're going to be in the same boat they were in at the beginning. I learned this the hard way with my math homework when I was in high school. I copied off my friends homework a couple times, but when it came time for the test, or when I waited until the last minute and had to do my math homework by myself, then I was screwed. It wasn't until my first year in college that I had the best math teacher I ever had. She explained it to me in a way that I could understand and I felt much more confident after I knew how to do the problems by myself. I left her class with a good understanding of how to do math, and a good grade. I was so proud of myself. I think we need to explain writing in a way that's easy for everyone to understand. Just like my problem with math, it wasn't until I actually had someone explain it clearly to me and in a way I could comprehend that I could actually do it for myself. I even gained an enjoyment for doing math (something I never thought I'd say). Anyway, everything is easier to do once you understand it and it's not until then that you can appreciate it for what it's worth and be successful in it. The session I observed demonstrated this and helped me come to this realization. I thought the tutor explained the student's mistakes very clearly and you could just tell that the student understood what they did wrong. They even read the paper aloud and corrected the mistakes that now stood out to them. The student left eager to work on her paper and had a page full of new ideas and experiences she wanted to include in her paper. She even made sure to ask the tutor her scheduled hours in the writing room because she wanted to come back when she got her next assignment.
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I like how you compare this experience to math--I struggle with math, too! It's really easy for us English Majors to forget how difficult writing really is. Just because it comes naturally to us doesn't mean it comes naturally for everyone. In fact, a lot of people struggle with writing. We, as tutors, can just tell them the "right answer," just like your friend would tell you the right math answer, but what good does that do anyone? Our goal as tutors is the same, no matter what our philosophy is: we want to help people better their writing. Good explanation and solid understand are key in comprehending any subject, and it is our job to ensure our clients comprehend this abstract idea called "writing."
ReplyDeleteMan I haven't seen anyone text or anything. I wonder how I would react to that... Probably tell them if they're not interested to come back at some other time. Of course, if you're interacting with the student it's a lot harder for them to justify text messaging.
ReplyDeleteI like that the tutor read the paper out loud and clearly explained what could be made better. That to me sounds like a really good session.
"Anyway, everything is easier to do once you understand it and it's not until then that you can appreciate it for what it's worth and be successful in it." - I find this to be so true. Students come into writing classes without any idea of what writing "is"; they think it's following a formula or adhering to grammar rules, not something that can help them think, discover, learn, and express themselves.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the observation analysis showed you the impact tutoring can have on writers' long-term development of writing attitudes and writing skills. Great reflection!