Hi all.
So today I kind of want to reflect on the different types of sessions and scenarios that the Writing Center advisors brought to our attention last week. I've been thinking, and I realized it's kind of hard for me to imagine how I would react in any situation, because I feel like my lack of experience allows me to assume I would be capable of handling whatever was thrown my way.
Like the scenario I was involved with, for example. If someone repeatedly answers their phone in a session, I would like to believe I could handle it calmly. I think it would be great to sit next to the person awkwardly, listen in on their conversation, and hope they realize they're being rude. If they want to spend a potentially helpful session talking on the phone, wasting time, then they might as well. I won't force a person to let me help them. If they don't value the session, whatever. Neither will I.
But if I'm having a bad day and someone picks up an unimportant phone call, I could very well impatiently roll my eyes, say something about their conversation, and walk away. It’s hard to know what I would do in a given situation until I'm actually there. We can discuss what the ideal reaction would be, but it’s a case by case scenario. Maybe we should politely remind them of the importance of the session, but maybe some people don't deserve the reminder.
The same goes for the sleepy student. I can pardon this more readily than I would a phone call recipient, but in both scenarios the lack of focus is rude. I understand being tired. I'm completely exhausted right now, actually. The student in the session, however, should try to pay attention to the best of their ability. Drink a coffee, eat a snack, and pull yourself together. You can waste my time, a break from the daily strain of sessions might be nice, but by wasting your own time you are doing a disservice to yourself.
In connection with my previous blog, I think ESL kids would be awesome to work with. They are in our session for a purpose. They need to figure out the language, so they won't waste time. ESL students know that we can help them, and they know they need our help.
In all of my thoughts about a writing center appointment, I come back to the same conclusion:
Energy and attitude determine EVERYTHING in an appointment.
Sarah, I think you're absolutely right. First of all, it is very difficult to predict how you will act in various scenarios at the Writing Center. Just like there is no set formula or routine to follow in every advising session, there is no perfect way to handle the difficult sessions. As you have mentioned, every appointment is unique and must be handled in a case-by-case manner. I think one of the hardest things about advising is keeping the same attitude and drive with each appointment, no matter how your day has gone. Each writer must feel comfortable and important and therefore, we as tutors must mask any negative emotion we are feeling.
ReplyDeleteI've also noticed that you keep mentioning your interest in working with ESL students. I think that would be an awesome experience; the learning within in a session would be mutual. In other words, your high-energy and charismatic attitude would help the ESL student feel comfortable and willing to learn, while you would learn the best ways to help these students.
I was talking with Adrienne (one of the girls that came in for the improv appointments) and she asked if we shadow some advising sessions at the end of the semester. I figured that since the 242 students did last year, we would too. What do you think about sitting in with Alexandra and watching a session with an ESL student?