#9


Writing center research is a great way to learn more about the field that develops and produces the methods that we implement in the Writing Center. Engaging in the research process or giving a presentation at a writing center conference is not just a way to further one’s career. It is also a way to begin to understand why we implement certain tutoring methods over others. Research is an effective way to delve deeper into the theory and method of tutoring in the writing center. It would be exciting to examine new research on how Generation Z is using the writing center. I would like to learn more about the impact of social media and technology on student writing. How have writing centers had to adjust in order to meet the tutoring needs of tech generations? Does our writing center improve student writing over time? What stigmas or misconceptions most negatively impact writing center attendance? What are the most common communication problems between tutors and students in the Writing Center? It would be interesting to examine the research on a hands-off verse a hands-on approach to tutoring in the writing center. What are the costs and benefits of a hands-on approach verse a hands-off approach to tutoring in the writing center?

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  1. UnknownApril 2, 2019 at 3:14 AM

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  2. UnknownApril 2, 2019 at 3:14 AM

    I'm interested in your idea of hands-on versus hands-off approaches to tutoring, although I wish you'd gone into more detail about what exactly that entails. I take hands-on to mean an approach heavily driven by the tutor versus hands-off being driven by the student. It would be interesting to directly compare these methods, but I'm not sure how to go about making that comparison. We could randomly assign students to a condition and poll them after their session to gauge their satisfaction with their tutoring experience. However, if it becomes clear that one approach produces better results than the other, are we then obligated to halt the research and revert to the apparently more effective method? Could research priorities overwhelm the priority of effectively tutoring students? - Kathleen

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