Pros and Cons

My first impression of the writing center being a drop in center was very positive. I really couldn’t think of anything wrong. But, as of late I have discovered that there are some flaws in drop in writing centers.

The Pro’s of a Drop In Writing Center – I think the best thing about having a drop in service is exactly that, that it is a drop in. Many times I more inclined to go to a tutoring service if I don’t have to set up an appointment. I like the idea that I can just show up and someone will help me. I’m not sure what the statistics are, but I feel that most people like the fact of not having to schedule an appointment. Is there anyone who would argue this???

Another thing that I enjoy about drop in tutoring is that students don’t have the same tutor looking over their papers. I think that it is important for students to have a wide variety of people looking over their paper. After a student has been in the writing center with different tutors and they have found that they like a certain tutor’s style than they can try to come when that tutor works.

The Con’s of a Drop In Writing Center – Along with some of my other co-workers, I feel that one reason drop in centers are bad isn’t because of the students, but because of the tutors. I believe the questions “Who’s working?” and “I need to go to class. Can you tutor?” can be avoided if each tutor has scheduled tutoring appointments. This way there would not be any confusion or frustration. Also, since each student would schedule a time to be tutored they wouldn’t have to feel like they are wasting time by waiting for the next available tutor. They would be able to come at the exact time that they would be getting tutored.

Obviously, I think both drop in and scheduled tutoring have their pros and cons. I think Weber’s writing center is excellent, but then I again I have a biased opinion. I think we do a great job! Warm fuzzies to everyone!