Author Jane Van Slembrouck addresses a critical question: Do we learn more from our peers than from authority figures? We keep trying to ensure we're offering consistently high quality tutoring to our student writers, but we haven't yet tried peer observation yet. (Don't panic. If I do try this, it won't be until fall semester.)
I was struck by Slembrouck's comment, "Suspecting that at least some of this productive exchange disappears when the director comes calling, I wondered how I might reduce my role in the evaluation process and find a means of assessment that would take advantage of this nonhierarchical flow of ideas." The author seems to feel that--peer to peer--the flow of ideas is more of a rushing river than a trickling stream (not to torture the metaphor).
So, we're not talking about Writing Center Specialist-to-student tutor or Writing Center coordinator-to-student tutor. Do you believe it would be easier--perhaps less threatening--to learn from each other in this way? Would you feel less self-conscious?
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I do think peer-to-peer observing during tutoring sessions is a very good idea. The tutors work together on the same level to achieve the same goal; to make sure the students get the help and support they need. Personally, at work, I never feel awkward asking a fellow tutor for help. Everybody in the writing center is very helpful (when needed) and friendly as well. There is no reason peer-to-peer mentoring should be a daunting experience. Hearing each others perspectives and opinions will be beneficial. ultimately I believe these observations will be useful and enhance our abilities to personally assist students.
ReplyDeleteBeing open and flexible to learning from others is not a nuance. I learned this valuable approach while working at Ford World Headquarters. The Director of Governmental Affairs, the Director of Community Relations, and other Directors i.e. International Affairs were all on my floor. I was the 'newbie' in 1999... At first, confidence in my 'reason' for being there was questioned, due to not having my degree from an Ivy University, just Oakland U. However, once my colleagues trusted me for my integrity and for being a hard-worker without being politically motivated or concerned about being politically correct (unheard of & appearing to be suspect) they developed into long lasting dependable friends who I, to this day, socialize with. What am I saying??? I am virtually agreeing with Kevin. Life in the WC does not have to be a "daunting experience." With intelligence, we can and should remain open to learning from each other so that we are equipped to pass the information on to the next student tutored. Author, Slembrouck, has an essential message, which entails a 'lateral'infrastructure, not 'linear' infrastructure to learn from our peers with an appreciative smile and willingness to give back to colleagues and tutored students. Thanks bunches & Ciaos!
DeleteLynette and Kevin: You both make solid points. Certainly, the boss isn't the only "keeper of knowledge," and tutors aren't empty slates. I agree with Lynette that an effective and creative workplace should include plenty of give-and-take. I learn at least as much from the tutors here as they learn from me (especially about computer programs!).
ReplyDeleteLearning from each other peer to peer definitely has its benefits, although I have to say that there are times when learning this way can be slightly confusing because everyone has their own unique spin on the tutoring style. However, as a way to continue to learn after the initial “New Tutor Orientation” from one of the Writing Center Specialists, I think it is an excellent idea. When I started working, I learned the most from observing other tutors and experimenting with the styles they used – even now I find collaboration with other tutors to be extremely helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis collaboration, as Slembourk suggests, is less threatening because as peers we do not make each other feel uneasy or judged – we are simply learning from one another, seeing what works for some people and does not work for others. If it is slow in the Writing Center and I have the opportunity, I like to listen to other tutor sessions so that I can get a sense of how each tutor approaches the task at hand. This allows me to learn from my colleagues without making them (or the student) feel uneasy. Yet at the same time, I can think of many instances of tutors actively shadowing each other as a way to learn the ropes, and no one ever seems to be ill at ease or threatened by the presence of another tutor since it is all in the interest of learning. It also opens up the chance to have conversations about tutoring with the others based on actual tutoring sessions as opposed to abstract ideas of tutoring, which can be beneficial.
This article stimulated some sparkling ideas, and helped me to plunge into deeper and more reflective thought about my skills as a tutor. The author underlines the notion that the natural curiosity of people towards others is an excellent foundation for learning. Not only is this a valid point, but there is also validity to be heard in the circulation of ideas from people that are naturally interested in the same things, that share similar hobbies and interests. The flow of ideas that this commonality between us generates, is learning at its best, in and of itself.
ReplyDeleteWe naturally learn when we are doing what we enjoy. I have more skill in certain areas of writing than others. For instance, while my grammar and mechanical skills probably need to be polished, I can lend some of my polish to others who need help refining their organizational content, reading to discern between good and bad ideas, and easy flow and/or transitioning. In the small moments when I observe my peers and their methods, I am astounded by the differences between them and I. Thus I immediately begin to note individual styles, demeanor, and a plethora of things which I find beneficial.
Overall, peer-to-peer tutoring is a wonderful help product. It has a potential to be non-judgmental, and to create the free-flowing executive environmental which throws away everything that is an equality detriment. In the absence of aspects such as the frightening loom of authority's shadow, we can all profit in the exchange of naturalness. I highly promote this structure, and feel that it would be very beneficial to our environment in the center.