Hey guys!!!
Stephen and I started our meeting off with discussing the mentor meeting last week. We talked about the minimalist versus directive approach and whether or not a tutor should use a pen. We both agreed that one must use a mix of both approaches in order to be successful. Stephen said he always makes copies of his students papers. That way he can write on his own copy and the student does not feel as "invaded".
He only has one weekly student now. This week's session was a bit difficult. His student wrote a paper on why cars should be considered art. He had his student just discuss why he felt that way. He encouraged his student to back his claim up by adding more personal details about why he feels cars are art.
He also had a student from the legal aspects class. I've had two students from the same class this week. We discussed the difficulties with these students because they do not listen to their teacher's advice as far as looking at the turabian book on their own. I told Stephen that it isn't our job to teach them this style of citation. They need to put the effort into it first. This actually seems to a problem with this class in general. So we are wondering how we handle this when we aren't familiar with this style of citation and students expect us to teach it to them.
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Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteThe debate between minimalist and directive approaches to tutoring will probably always continue--as it should! The frequency in which it is mentioned on this blog, and in our in-person (i.e. orange couch) discussions indicates its importance in applying such theory to our actual practice. It's good too that both of you reviewed some of the points mentioned at our meeting.
I agree completeley that it is not our job to teach citation methods to students. Frequently, there have been workshops sponsored by the LS/WC about citation formats--if possible tutors and students should attend these workshops. Of course, there are materials in the resource room for your use as well. Great advice for Stephen! Com'on they should know this stuff before coming to the WC!
Steve