Suggestions for Faculty
From Gene Bauer, Second-Language Writing Coordinator
gbauer@carleton.edu
(507) 222-5998
Before using the referral form, I think it essential for faculty to talk with the student one-to-one. My goal in a first meeting with writers is to learn how they understand themselves as writers, and what their strengths and challenges are. In addition, if they are going to participate in the support the ASC provides to second-language learners (ESL Tutoring), it is helpful to have the student self-identify, rather than being labeled by assumption.
Each meeting is different and driven by the situation and the student. But here are questions I usually ask:
- What kinds of strengths do you bring to the task of academic writing?
- What kinds of challenges do you face in your writing?
- What kind of feedback from faculty have you received in the past regarding your written work?
- If teachers have been specific in their suggestions/criticism/evaluation, elaborate or discuss that as clearly as you can.
- Do you agree or disagree with the evaluation/response you have received on your writing from previous teachers? Explain why.
- Do you think that one-to-one writing support could or would be helpful to you? Why or why not?
In the end, I think it important for students to own their writing, both their strengths and weaknesses; that is, they need to learn to recognize and verbalize their needs. A student who can do this, with guidance, will be in a much stronger position to make use of a writing consultant than one who is driven to it by someone in authority.