It's just a tad bad...
A bad essay!? I never would have thought it possible! Okay, sarcasm may not be the best approach to starting this blog, but at least it’s started! I’ll focus for now on the first of the questions asked, what would I do if a student’s essay was so bad that they had to start over? First of all, I’d be happy that the student came into the writing center in the first place. In most cases this would show that the writer knows he or she needs help. Granted, there are instances when the student may be there because he or she has to, or the student may not realize just how bad the paper is. But, for the most part, I think a trip to the writing center shows that the student is looking for help.
It’s important to keep in mind what a tutor’s responsibility is. Are we there to ensure that the student leaves the writing center with a better paper? Or are we there to make sure the student leaves with the skills to write a better paper. Of course, the two can go hand in hand. Both can be accomplished. But the writer should never be sacrificed for the paper.
I think that the best way to approach the idea of starting over varies from student to student. Some students may be able to take it bluntly. Others may need it handed it to them a little more delicately. I think that I would begin by talking with the student about what he or she is trying to accomplish with the paper. After that has been taken care of, I would ask how he or she is planning on getting there. With answers to these questions, the student has a starting point. Questions can be a great way to help the student make the connection. “Do you feel this paper accomplishes what you want it to? Do you think an objective reader would now what points you are trying to make?” Hopefully the student will be able to see that their paper is not accomplishing what they want it to.
Unfortunately the student may not be able to recognize that his or her paper is in shambles even after the questions have been asked. I think at that point you just have to tell the student that you don’t feel that the paper is accomplishing what it ought to. It may be hard to break it, but sometimes the truth hurts.
As far as the essay being deeply offensive goes, I think it depends on what the assignment is. If it’s an opinion or argument paper, there’s really not much I could do. My beliefs and values should not play a role in helping the student become a better writer. I feel that it is my responsibility as a tutor to help writers become better writers, to help them increase their skills and abilities. I know this is easier said than done. There could be times when it is extremely difficult to read an offensive essay and keep my focus on helping the writer. But, I suppose I’ll have to deal with that in stride.
It’s important to keep in mind what a tutor’s responsibility is. Are we there to ensure that the student leaves the writing center with a better paper? Or are we there to make sure the student leaves with the skills to write a better paper. Of course, the two can go hand in hand. Both can be accomplished. But the writer should never be sacrificed for the paper.
I think that the best way to approach the idea of starting over varies from student to student. Some students may be able to take it bluntly. Others may need it handed it to them a little more delicately. I think that I would begin by talking with the student about what he or she is trying to accomplish with the paper. After that has been taken care of, I would ask how he or she is planning on getting there. With answers to these questions, the student has a starting point. Questions can be a great way to help the student make the connection. “Do you feel this paper accomplishes what you want it to? Do you think an objective reader would now what points you are trying to make?” Hopefully the student will be able to see that their paper is not accomplishing what they want it to.
Unfortunately the student may not be able to recognize that his or her paper is in shambles even after the questions have been asked. I think at that point you just have to tell the student that you don’t feel that the paper is accomplishing what it ought to. It may be hard to break it, but sometimes the truth hurts.
As far as the essay being deeply offensive goes, I think it depends on what the assignment is. If it’s an opinion or argument paper, there’s really not much I could do. My beliefs and values should not play a role in helping the student become a better writer. I feel that it is my responsibility as a tutor to help writers become better writers, to help them increase their skills and abilities. I know this is easier said than done. There could be times when it is extremely difficult to read an offensive essay and keep my focus on helping the writer. But, I suppose I’ll have to deal with that in stride.
posted by Derek Stout at 4:06 PM
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