Throughout the whole class and my shadowing experience, there was a consistent idea that has been hammered into my head: that a critical element in the success of the consulting session lies in the writer-consultant relationship. Needless to say, it consisted of several things, from the initial greeting to the actual written commentary. Every discussion we have had so far has been on how the writer could better perceive his/her own writing and how or what he/she could learn more after the consulting session. In the end, I personally think it all boils down to what the writer thinks about the session and the tutor. Indeed, the consulting session is a learning experience. If the writer does not think positive of it, how can he/she feel motivated to become a better writer? Simply put, the skill of the writing consultant and the quality of the session is determined by what the writer thinks or how he/she feels after leaving the writing center.
Yet important as it is, to my knowledge the writing center has no system or procedure to obtain request from students. If any, it's in the form of good-bye talking between the student and the consultant. How can we determine the success of that session then? By the consultant's gut feelings, which are prone to misjudgment? How can we separate the good consultant from the exceptional ones, since what determines their successes and skills lies with the student? Even worse, how can we improve the writing center if we don't know what people are saying or talking about us? I think the writing center might need some ways to felicitate feedback from students writer. It would benefit everyone greatly. First, it shows that students' opinion is highly value and that we regard the consulting session highly. Second, it helps us better improve the writing center. Third, it can serves as an indicator to the skill of the writing center and felicitate promotion. How we are going to do that is the big question here. I will ask around our peer departments like the academic center and see what they are doing. If we can put it together it can become a big reformation project for the writing center.
Interesting Idea! I wonder if any writing centers have a system for feedback like this?
ReplyDeleteThat is a really great observation! Evaluations are so prevalent for courses and programs here that I'm surprised that there isn't one for the writing center. It would really be beneficial so that if certain consultants are consistently not meeting the needs of the students, or are performing exceptionally well, then they are addressed as needed by Dr. Essid.
ReplyDeleteI talked to my friend who is a tutor at the academic center and he said they employ a very systematic feedback system. So does the Speech Center. I'm surprised no one had brought it up to Dr. Essid.
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