CLAS Writing Tutorial and Reflection

You can find a downloadable pdf version of this prompt here: CLAS Writing Tutorial and Reflection Prompt PDF

Why?

A lot of the work we’ll be doing this quarter will explore how theory and practice can inform one another. This extra work option assignment gives you the opportunity to experience a writing tutorial first hand – as the student – and enables you to draw concrete connections between the readings and material of the course and the lived experience. 

  • Deadline: Friday, November 20th (Week 8) (can be completed at any point prior to then)
  • This is an additional work option; it is not required to pass the course.

The Assignment

For this additional work option, you should schedule a writing tutorial appointment with CLAS, attend that session, and then complete an 800-1000 word reflection about the experience. While this reflection can be written informally, it should draw connections between your experience and the topics and issues we discuss in class throughout the quarter.

The Writing Tutorial at CLAS

While I know this might be a bit intimidating for many of you, really, the best way to fully understand something is to experience it. Further, this extra work option serves several purposes: you get the chance to think through the writing tutorial as the student with the knowledge of writing center theory and practice, you get focused attention and discussion about whatever writing project you choose to work for your tutorial, and you get a chance to demystify the writing tutorial experience and feel more comfortable about using this resource in the future.

You can visit the CLAS Writing & Languages schedule page here to find out more information and to schedule your appointment. Keep in mind: if available, you should bring to the appointment a copy of the prompt and/or task you’re working on as well as a printed copy of whatever writing you have completed (if you have any writing completed).

*Note: While CLAS does do online appointments, the best option for this assignment would be to attend a writing tutorial in person. You can either schedule this online or go to their drop-in hours to talk with a writing tutor. Again, here are their hours this quarter (Again, though, if an online appointment is the only feasible option for you, then you can meet with the tutor online – this is something you would want to explain in your reflection, though.)

Reflection

Additionally, after you complete your writing tutorial, you will be composing an 800-1000 word reflection about the experience. While this can be written conversationally, your reflection should

  • be in traditional essay format – using complete sentences and paragraphs for clarity and structure and to ensure your points come across to your reader,
  • establish the context of the session – making clear what you worked on with your tutor and why,
  • be analytical in nature – reflecting on the experience, pointing to specific moments as evidence, and ideally, drawing conclusions about what worked, what didn’t, and why.
  • make connections to the course material and readings to help think through and/or ground your ideas.

Questions to consider for your reflection (you do not have to answer all of them):

  • Who did you work with for the tutorial?
  • What did you work on? Why? What aspect(s) of the writing process did you focus on specifically?
  • How was the experience overall?
    • How did you feel during the session? What kinds of emotions were you experiencing? Did you feel awkward? Anxious? Judged? Excited? Proud? etc.
    • Did it get easier as it went along? If so/not… how and why?
    • If the session was online, how do you think this element influenced the experience?
  • What was the tone of the session? (friendly, professional, stressful, relaxed, etc.)
  • What stuck out to you about the session?
    • What was something that surprised you? Why?
    • What is something that you remember in particular? What about it stood out to you?
  • What approaches did your take and why do you think that was?
  • What did your tutor do that worked in the session? What might not have worked as well?
    • What specific moments do you think were productive? Most helpful? Why?
    • Did the specific structure of the session work?
    • What, if anything, just didn’t land?
    • What, if anything, was confusing and/or unclear?
  • What might you take away from this session for your own tutoring practices?
    • How could you implement similar approaches?
    • How might you change your approaches?
  • What might you take away from this session for your development as a writer?