Reading reflection 11/21

Alvarez reading: 

In the reading by Alvarez, “ On Letting the Brown Bodies Speak, it talks about how races specifically of the color brown, are excluded from representation. They are also not looked at as a high authority or to have any power. Many people through this community have gone through hardships in their lives and deserve to be recognized for it. They often are hidden and not seen in media or scholarly work even though they deserve to be seen and represented. This reading taught me it is important to make sure everyone can be seen and have a voice. It is important to give different cultures and races a voice as it can help others learn and understand them. This can bring us together as one diverse community. The question that I am left with is what can we do to show our support and make this community feel seen?

Napoleone reading: 

The reading by Napoleone “ Class division, class effects,” talks about how different classes have different levels of education. The “better” the education the higher class you are apart of. In the article it mentioned how John did not want to be a student but wanted to work. I sometimes wish I could just work full time rather then be a student but my parents expect me to get my degree. I think getting my degree will be good because it can take me further into my career path when I am older. I don’t have a question but I felt like I could connect to John’s perspective somewhat. 

Reading reflection 11/19

 Sicari Reading:

In Sicari’s “ Everyday Truths: Reflection from a Woman Writing Center Professional ,” talks about what it’s like being a women in the writing center as well as the challenges that are faced. She mentions how she if sometimes over looked in the center because she is a women. Not only with students but also with other colleagues gender can have a huge impact of how they are treated. My personal reflection is no matter the gender, we should be looked at as equals and respect each others ideas. My question that I am left with is why are we still showing race discrimination or any discrimination at all?

Dennys reading: 

In Dennys reading “ Queers, Jeers, and Fears, writing center as (im) possible safe spaces,” it talks about the writing center being an open and safe environment for the LGBTQ community. He suggest that writing centers be more inclusive and open. He puts an emphasis on communication, that centers should really communicate the needs of others and themselves. My reflection is that I feel our writing center should be inclusive but I feel as if we already are. I don’t know how you would be more inclusive to this certain community and I would like to learn more about ways we can become more welcoming and understanding towards this community. The question I am left with would be what can we do to be more inclusive?

Reading reflection 8 & 9, 11/12/24

 Zmudka reading: 

The reading "Embracing Learning Differences: Spreading the Word to Writing Centers and Beyond," talks about being aware of the different needs that people have in the writing center. She addresses that some of these needs can be learning disabilities, ADHD, or dyslexia. A tutor needs to understand these individuals learn differently which Is perfectly okay. It is encouraged for tutors to learn how to accommodate these different needs. You want to make sure the student feels supported in these times. My reflection on this reading is it feels very important and personal to me. I have ADHD as well as some learning disabilities. People often hear that and assume you are not as capable as students without these things. That is not the case we just learn differently. I think it's great if tutors understand how to approach those types of students. I do not have a question about this article, I just really enjoyed this reading because I connected to it. 

BG reading: 

Chapter 6, Impact of AI on Writing and Tutoring Practices, talks about how AI is used by many students nowadays. AI can be used for grammar checks such as spelling and be helpful. Although that is helpful it can cause a negative outcome for writers as well. These risks can include students depending too much on AI and a lack of creativity. Students can get lazy and just use AI to do their work instead of coming up with their own creative ideas. AI should be taught by tutors to be a tool instead of a thing that does work for you. My reflection on this reading is that AI does take away creativity. It can make students not want to do their own work when they see how easy and smart AI seems to be. Although AI Is not always accurate and students should be aware of that. My question that I have is how can we teach students to not rely so heavily on AI? 

Reading reflection 11/7

 Morrison reading- 

In the reading “ Being Seen and Not Seen: A Black Female Body in the Writing Center” it focuses on the experience of a writing center as a black women's perspective. She talks about how in these scenarios black women are have power and are seen, or they do not have power and are not seen in the writing center. In writing centers race can impact how interactions go with one another. She believes that black women should be able to have the same experience as anyone else. People should be more inclusive with people of color. They should have a realization to show empathy towards black women in the centers. My personal opinion on this is I agree, I think everyone should be treated equally no matter the race. To make black women feel more recognized we should make them feel seen and heard. I enjoyed this article because it’s not often that we talk about specifically African Americans experiences or thoughts in school often. I think it is a very important topic and we should learn more of other races and cultures. 

Issac reading - 

In the reading by Issac, “Sacred Pages: Writing as a Discursive Political Act” it talks about how writing is powerful and has the ability to make changes and strong statements , such as political ones. In these writings you can express the truth, and your personal opinions on topics. These can be social or political. My reflection of the reading is that it is important to write about social or political topics. This is a great way to express yourself as well as have others learn your beliefs and values. I have never thought of writing about those topics and this reading opened up the idea to me. My question that I am left with is how would you make your writing not so biased, or would it be better that way for these topics? 

Reading reflection 10/10

 Bedford Guide Chapter 5 "Helping Writers Across the Curriculum":

This chapter's main idea is that tutors support writers from various classes, not just English. In each class, there are different ways of writing and writing requirements. It is important to recognize writing skills are important for all classes not just specifically English class. In order to be better prepared and knowledgeable for another subject, it is encouraged for tutors to speak with faculty members of different subjects. Tutors should easily adapt to the different requirements such as writing styles, citations, and formatting.  Students should still be asked to critically think of each assignment no matter the subject. My reflection on this reading is it was very informational. I feel like we forget other classes besides English can be required to write papers. It is nice to know writing centers accept a variety of subjects to be worked on. A question I am left with is what do tutors do about papers for a language subject, such as Spanish? Would it be too challenging? 

Bishop "Is there a Creative Writer in The House?": 

The author focuses on creative writing as well as writing for academics. It is important to remember creative writing can and should be used throughout academic writing. It makes the story more interesting to read. Also if you are having fun and showing creativity it makes writing a whole lot easier. There is still a fine line that should be watched between creative and academic writing. You can be fun in how you write but it is important to still follow the assignment guides and stay professional. Students should be encouraged to take risks with their writing. Experiencing can help a writer form new ideas, this can be done by brain storming or drawing on a sheet of paper. My reflection on the reading is that it is important to stay to yourself and express yourself when it comes to writing. I agree that creative writing makes it easier and more fun to write. My question I am left with Is there a limit to creativity when writing? 

Reading responce 10/03

 Bedford Guide Chapter 4: 

In the reading "The Writers You Tutor," the author talks about the multiple levels and types of students you can encounter during a writing center appointment as a tutor. There are many different factors when it comes to the students you are tutoring. Some of these can be students who have disabilities, speak another language as their primary language, and are different skilled writers. No matter what the difference is, all of these students should be treated with respect and patience. You never want the writing appointment to feel intimidating especially If you are a "lower-skilled" writer. Patience is especially important when working with students who have disabilities. They are just as capable as anyone else and you want them to feel that way during an appointment. For students where English is their second language, it is important to be understanding. Different cultures have different writing rules and you should be respectful of those. Tutors should show a positive and encouraging environment towards the students who come in. My personal reflection on this reading is it is important to treat all students equally. I never realized a person whose first language is not English may have an appointment. That can be really challenging and nerve-racking for that student. I know If I were the tutor I would do everything to be patient, respectful of their culture, and encourage them throughout the session. A question I am left with is, how can a tutor stay encouraging while providing constructive criticism? 

Bedford Guide Chapter 7:

In the reading "Addressing Various Tutoring Situations," the author talks about how there can be some challenges as the tutor when it comes to a writing center appointment. In some sessions, it can be hard to get a student to participate. if this happens you can go over the goals the student may have for the session. Managing time is another important thing to keep in mind during sessions. You only have a certain amount of time with each student. It is important to have an organized idea of what that session will entail and to keep on track. You may get a student and you are unfamiliar with the content. In this case, focus on what you do know maybe not the exact prompt but writing skill, grammar, etc. My personal reflection on this reading is that it seems helpful. Although I do not see myself as a tutor it is nice to read what to do in a difficult session. A question that I am left with is what are some more time management techniques? 

Reading Responce 9/25

Oxford Guide For Writing Tutors, "Tutoring is conversation/tutoring not just any conversation":

The author in this reading talks about how during a tutoring session there are specific points that are hit. The session can definitely be friendly but there is a specific set "schedule" that is laid out to follow for the appointment. The appointment usually tries to look at what goals the writer wants to achieve and get out of the appointment. Feedback can be super helpful for both the student and the tutor. The feedback should be encouraging to make both people feel they are off to a great start. The tutor mustn't be the only one doing the work. Both the tutor and student need to come together to have insightful ideas to add. My reflection on the writing Is that it is important to stay on track when in a session. It is normal for side conversations to happen sometimes but appointments are only so long. I like it when a tutor has a planned session it helps us stay organized during the session. The question I am left with is, let's say you're in a session and the tutor or student keeps getting off track multiple times, how would you go about this?  

Bruffee "Peer Tutoring and Conversation of Mankind": 

The author of this article feels that the best way to learn is to communicate and share ideas. During a tutoring session, if the student is asked questions where they can be creative and share ideas it helps them know, "I am the one being tutored but this is still my paper." I think that is really important because it can be hard to not feel that the tutor is above you. It also helps when the tutor can provide some ideas as well. The tutor should not just tell a student "This is wrong, here let me fix it." The tutor is supposed to help guide the student. The tutor can help guide the student towards wat is right by making sure the student is also critically thinking. Saying things like " what do you think would be better," is an example of doing so. My reflection on this reading is that both the tutor and the student can learn from a session. Even though you may be the one being tutored, it does not mean you can't help the tutor learn new things too. Getting rid of the "I'm above you" approach is important. It helps the session feel more comfortable overall. I am interested to see how my own tutoring appointment goes. I wonder if it will feel as if they are above me or if we are equal.