LaGuardia Tutoring Writing 2012: Spring Break Blog: Observation Three

LaGuardia Tutoring Writing 2012: Spring Break Blog: Observation Three: Over the spring, write about your third observation.

As i entered the tutoring session i was paired with two other students. We walked into the room and i was seated near the computer. The tutor was very polite and introduced himself and made it clear that i was observing the other students.The tutor used a structural format asking both students for their general topics then splitting them up into distinct times. The tutor began reading silently through the paper then they began collaboratively discussing the topic. This actually had me interested rather than the other two tutors because it brought something completely new to the table.The student looked very clueless to why the tutor was making him do this activity, but then the purpose became very clear to him. He just needed to write it out and start an outline which he never really did before. After this he began working with sequence and although the students essay was particularly good he still needed some organization. It showed me that even if you have a good essay if your ideas are jumbled it ruins everything. The next student needed to compare two photos about his brother he had trouble making a connection. The tutor gave the student a compliment on his writing, but then began discussing the HOC's. The students thesis was too basic and it did not address the issue that needed to be fulfilled. The student was asked to read his essay out loud and the tutor took some notes. After this activity was done the tutor gave some simple suggestions and it really cleared up some of the problems. I actually learned alot in this session.