Writing Center Philosophy

Angela Castillo October 14, 2010 Eng 5070 Writing Center Philosophy

Welcome to the Writing Center at Kean University!

Researchers Shamoon and Burns wrote, “Social Constructionists characterize writing as a social act rather than a process of personal discovery or individual expression.” The Kean University Writing Center believes that learning best occurs when individuals interact with one another through conversation. Inspired by social constructivists theories, our writing center staff believe that answers are not found within text. Instead, we believe answers are found within the readers and writers who bring their own ideas and values to the writing.

Here at Kean University’s writing center, students are given a chance to articulate and explore their ideas with experienced writing coaches on a one to one basis for duration of 45 minutes. We invite undergraduate, graduate and faculty to make an appointment with one of writing coaches. Our writing coaches are experienced in working with students of all different majors and levels.

Writing Center Staff

In order to promote an environment where students will feel comfortable talking about their work, Kean’s Writing Center hired staff that are both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, all of the writing center staff completed 120 hours of extensive tutor training over the course of two months. Through training, staff learned about the pedagogical influences behind writing center theory. They also observed and practiced conducting coaching sessions. In addition, coaches hired do not necessarily have to be English Majors. They can be Biology majors, Education majors, Criminal Justice majors, etc.

In order to encourage a collaborative tutoring atmosphere, undergraduate coaches are suggested to work with undergraduate coaches, while graduate coaches can work with both undergraduate and graduate students. According to researchers, McAndrew and Reigstad, “the tutor and writer, share equally the conversation, problem solving and decision making.”

Undergraduate coaches are least sophomore level. Both graduate and undergraduate coaches completed English 1030 with a B and all have 3.0 GPA or higher. In addition, all will require two letters of recommendation from either a professors or former employer.

In addition to working with undergraduate and graduate students, our writing center also works with faculty and professors. There are two professors who provide coaching sessions at our center. These professors all teach composition courses and too have gone through extensive tutor training.

Furthermore, weekly staff meetings are conducted in order to discuss any questions or concerns they hard during the week.

Writing Center Administration

Our writing center has a hierarchal structure. The writing center coordinator oversees the coaches and two administrative assistants. Staff is held accountable for their delegated or volunteered responsibilities such as publicity events.

What researches have influenced my writing center philosophy?

I agree with both Bouquet and North's view of coaching. I do not want to use only minimalist tutoring because I think students may leave frustrated and will never want to come back if a coach comes off as "not caring" or "rude". However, I believe that minimalist tutoring may be the best approach for coaches who feel very passionate about the subject that the student is writing about. This is because when coaches feel strongly about a familiar topic, they may struggle with preventing themselves from talking too much and dominating the conversation. This may leave students feeling as if they were talking to a teacher instead of a coach.

In addition, I think that writing coaches should not become therapist either. Although it is important to establish good relationships with students, coaches are not trained to be guidance counselors or psychologist. In addition, this may lead to off topic conversations, and for a student, coming to the writing center just to "vent" may become habitual. Writing coaches can only do so much for students, this is why I think there should be a balance between minimalist tutoring and overly sympathetic tutoring.