For this journal playback, I wanted to focus on the conversation starters and potential conversations that are within the third chapter of the book. One of the main anxieties I had about tutoring was the conversation I would have with a tutee. Them coming in and telling me to just fix what they wrote, or not being receptive to my advice. One big thing I was able to draw from the example conversations was the level of comfortability the tutor is supposed to provide for the tutee in the workshop setting. Meaning, finding out the background of their assignment and their goals before pouring out your advice. I find this to be extremely important because it makes the tutee more receptive to the points a tutor is trying to make. It also allows the tutee to open up more about their paper topic, and any anxieties or worries they may have about writing. Tutors do not want to give tutees a list of things to fix and leave it there because it doesn’t provide enough context for the tutee to fix their writing. They may be confused about the comments made by the tutor, and without the comfortable setting, may not ask for explanation. Overall, tutors must remember that they are not only a tutor but also a peer. Setting up a space and conversation where both parties are comfortable and productive is the goal.
Journal #1
