In this course,
students will have an opportunity to implement the theories they learn about
teaching writing in actual interactions with students. The course will begin by
exploring the evolution of theories about teaching writing over the last
several decades and how those theories have impacted theories and practices
about tutoring writing. Readings and discussions will address practical
approaches for helping students at all stages of the writing process, including
invention, organization, grammar, as well as writing for different genres and
in different disciplines. The complex teacher/tutor/student relationship will
also be a focus as students will be asked to reflect on how to incorporate
their own style into the teaching/tutoring dynamic. Throughout the semester, we
will draw connections between tutoring writing in a one-on-one interaction and
teaching writing in a classroom setting. Students will work several hours each
week in UHM’s Writing Center through which students will gain actual tutoring
experience. Collectively, the work students do in class and in the center will
provide a departure point for examinations of how place figures into the teaching of writing.
Because this
course involves a 5 hour/wk paid tutoring position, students need to apply to
enroll. For application materials, please contact the instructor at georgann@hawaii.edu
Assignments:
- Weekly responses to readings
- 5-7 page mid-term paper synthesizing theories
for composition teaching practices with writing center theory/practices - 10-page final paper that, drawing from the
tutoring log, situates/critiques tutoring practices employed within both
composition and writing center theory - An in-class presentation that involves leading
class discussion on readings /tutoring practices - Tutoring observations
- Tutoring
- Journal log on tutoring interactions
Attendance is required in this class.
Required Texts:
Murphy, Christina, and Steve Sherwood. The
St. Martin’s Sourcebook for Writing Tutors. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.
Martin’s, 2011.
Ryan, Leigh, and Lisa Zimmerelli. The
Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s,
2010.
Additional
readings will be provided via a course packet or uploaded to a class website.