Carolyne Hurlburt

As a writing tutor, my goal is to help each writer with his or her specific objectives while encouraging the writer’s independence and growth in the writing process. This requires a friendly, supportive, conversational approach that is guided by practical advice where needed. Because every writer and project is different, I try to be flexible in my approach while maintaining a commitment to the idea of collaborative learning.

To establish a positive rapport, I try to greet writers with a smile and invite them into the conference room. I ask about their current project, its stage of development, and the areas in which the writer would like to focus. Together, we review any relevant material and discuss its strengths, as well as areas for improvement. As we talk about the project, I try to help the writer address his or her own concerns by asking clarifying questions, providing a reader’s perspective, and offering general writing advice where appropriate.

Although I provide feedback to the writer, it is very important to me that the writer maintain sole ownership of his or her work. To that end, I try to take a non-directive approach whenever possible. At times, however, I am asked questions or encounter patterns in the text that lend themselves to teaching moments. Whenever this occurs, I try to handle it by presenting options and guidelines and engaging the writer in a discussion of the choices.  

Ultimately, as a tutor it is my job to support the writer—not only by offering feedback and asking questions, but also by showing enthusiasm for the writer’s project. I try to communicate that enthusiasm by using a friendly, conversational approach throughout the session, as well as by providing positive reinforcement and words of encouragement. I genuinely enjoy talking to writers about their ideas and the writing process, and it is my hope that that my tutoring philosophy and practice reflect that.

1) Keep a writing center journal. Each Friday after the staff meeting I will spend up to 30 minutes in written reflection of my work at the writing center for the week. I want to capture my overall response on the week's events, what seemed to work well, what didn't, and what I plan to do moving forward.

2) Visit the writing center as a client at least once a month.  

3) Be punctual. Leave home a minimum of 2 hours in advance of my first appointment, or leave campus location at least 20 minutes in advance of an appointment. This should ensure that I am at the writing center at least 5 minutes before any conference. I will set an alarm on my phone to help me realize when I need to leave, and I'll track my arrival patterns in my writing center journal.