So now this is my goal. I'd like to really start showing my written work to peer tutors so that I can get that second and third opinion for my writings.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Talking about Writing & Revising
As you all may know, I currently work in the writing center at LaGuardia Community College and have been there for about 3 years or so. My daily job is to meet students and talk to them about their papers and eventually tutor them to become better writers. Well, recently, I've been told by a professor that I need to start showing my own paper to peer tutors. It is true, indeed, that I am sometimes very aware of sharing my paper. I think it goes back to my past with my older sister and father who whenever they "looked at" my paper, started to criticize it so much and start changing around the sentences so much that I really felt like it wasn't my voice anymore. As a writing center tutor, it is always my responsibility to be careful not to steal someone's voice when helping them out with a paper.
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That's a good idea! I'm not great about sharing my papers, but the few times that I have shared, I have found a peer's comments useful. I have promised myself to go to the writing center once more before finishing the semester.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd be uncomfortable getting feedback from my peers as well, however, for different reasons than you. I've always worked better with people who outpeer me. It's probably because of a weak ego on my part, or maybe it's because my peers always seem to be much younger than I. Anyway, it sounds like a positive interchange. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteMahla, It's very hard for me to share my papers with anyone. I think it comes from having a teacher ego. I know teachers who think that their work deserves no questioning or critique from anyone. I've never been to a writing center, but I wonder, on what basis are tutors hired? Do they present a piece of work? Are they asked to write on the spot? Has their ever been a case where a student has received an even worse grade AFTER they visited the writing center? and if those arent enough questions, I have more. ;)
ReplyDeleteMahla, I understand your changing words and feeling it was not your voice anymore and feel sorry about it. I think showing your written work to peer tutors can be beneficial as long as you can choose to whom you show your paper. There are always people out there who will give you amazing tips and you won't probably regret sharing your words with. I hope you'll be given the chance to choose the peer tutors you want to exchange papers.
ReplyDeleteResponding to comment about tutors: I've received worse grades after teachers have corrected my work. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteMalena
I don't know about receiving worse grades after going to the WC for a particular paper. But, as a writing center tutor, I have to say that it is not the responsibility of writing tutors to help students get better "grades" on papers but to help them become better "writers". And becoming a better writer takes a lot of time and does not necessarily happen after one visit to the wc. It's a process that takes much longer than that.
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