Having tutored at the AUB Writing Center, I can confirm that
tutoring is a different ball game than classroom teaching in many ways. It is
more focused and intense, and it can be more enjoyable than lecturing,
especially when tutees are perfectionists!
One challenge for writing tutors is that students do not
always seek writing help voluntarily. Their teachers often require it; it may
even be part of the syllabus for everyone – and therefore a form of drudgery
for some. Those who gravitate to the Center voluntarily, though, appear more
involved, and they often return. Some even seem to enjoy it: they become
animated when telling a story; excited when considering alternatives; and genuinely
satisfied with their enhanced products. The best scenarios are where a student
seeks advice from the beginning of a project till the end, returning to develop
ideas, polish phrasing and finalize everything, including presentation material. The tutees are not rushed in
those cases. They are relaxed and confident – and eventually proud of their
efforts.
Of course, tutoring has other challenges for tutors:
breaking the ice and setting realistic goals for short sessions is not always a
piece of cake; handling students with personal problems can be daunting; and
tutoring when the writer does not have a draft or a prompt can be stressful and
mystifying. With time, tutors learn how to handle these situations, overcoming
hurdles more smoothly.
Not all tutees are struggling with their writing, mind you. You
get the occasional perfectionist, the quality of whose writing and research is
already high. They simply seek perfection and work hard at it. Best wishes to
them. They deserve special mention for their drive and perseverance.
