Writing Session Description

  • Writing Tutoring Session Description

    Writing tutoring sessions are usually 20-30 minutes, which is ample time to brainstorm ideas or review specific components of most papers. The Writing Center is a teaching and learning environment, and does not function merely as a proofreading or editing service.

    Rather, students will identify their focus or objectives for the session and then work one-on-one with a peer consultant. Often, students will read their writing aloud and, through interactive discussion with the consultant, identify opportunities for learning and improvement.

    At the end of the tutoring session, students should work independently or with peers to incorporate new ideas and skills into their writing. Students are welcome and encouraged to come back if they have additional questions or need further assistance.

  • How to Prepare for Your Session

    In order to get the most out of your consultation at the Writing Center, you are encouraged to come prepared. The following tips will help you to prepare for your session:

    • Review your writing
      • Read over your writing to refresh your familiarity with your argument and to identify your focus for the tutoring session. 
    • Write down questions that come to mind as you review
    • Bring your assignment sheet or know where to find it quickly online
    • Print out your work unless you need to work on digital components
  • What to Do During Your Session

    Tutoring sessions in the Writing Center are most useful when both consultant and student are invested in the session. The following tips will help you to get the most from your session:

    • Engage with your consultant and actively participate in the session
    • Learning is interactive and dialogic. Consultants will ask you questions and may make some suggestions, but your writing belongs to you as both a product and responsibility.
    • Ask questions!
    • Sessions are learning-centered. Let your consultant know when you are unsure of their meaning or need clarification of a concept.
    • As a courtesy for others in the lab and to ensure your focus, silence your phone and refrain from answering calls or texts during your consultation.
  • What to Do After Your Session

    After your tutoring session in the Writing Center it is important to integrate what you learned into your work. Follow these tips to help ensure that you are continually learning and improving your writing skills.

    Review, revise, and return 

    • Once you have reviewed and revised your work, feel welcome to return to the Writing Center and meet with a consultant for another session. Often, a consultation will help you to identify ways to improve your writing not just on a particular assignment, but in other works as well.
    • Consider what you learned in the session and how you may be able to transfer those skills to subsequent pieces.
    • Attend workshops offered by the Learning Commons.
    • Form writing groups with your friends or classmates. Reading and offering suggestions for your peers’ writing is a great way to improve your own!