I apologize for any of you that have read most post already and realized that I had no idea what I was supposed to do so here goes my second try! The article by Christina Murphy was interesting from the perspective that I had never thought to compare what psychoanalysts do to what a tutor will do in a writing center. The role that the client fills is one of vulnerability and, therefore, the tutor is looked upon like a therapist rather than simply a consultant. In some cases, it is necessary to get to know the client in order to better help him with something that can be as intimate as writing. I especially like the comparison on page 98 about substituting tutor and student for therapist and client.
Of course, it is important to have the type of personality that is engaging and approachable to help a client with their writing, as it is difficult to ask for help. Also, you really are in the position of a therapist as Murphy points out on page 98, referring to the things that need to occur for psychotherapy to be successful. Incidently, they are the same things that make a tutoring session successful.
The essay by Annie DiPardo was written very well and was researched very thoroughly. I happen to dislike reading case studies more than anything and this one was actually interesting, as I found myself really being interested in Fannie and the outcome of the study. As the introduction promises, the reader gets to know and care about what happens to Fannie along the way, and in the future. Not only did Fannie's writing skills improve, I believe that Morgan became a better tutor in the process. The essay's message relied heavily on the importance of getting to know the client and what is important to them, the place in life from which he is coming. Had Morgan not delved enough into what was important to Fannie (e.g. land), in her personal life, then she would have never been able to obtain a grasp on the place Fannie was coming from in her writing. Fannie had a hard time expressing herself, verbally, as well as literarily, which contributed to her image of being shy, although she was not. This is an important essay in the sense that for every one Fannie, there are hundreds just like her that slip through the cracks and drop out before they even really get started. A good raport with clients is paramount in making sure clients stay comfortable and interested.
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Why do you hate case studies? I am frowning at the screen right now. I write case studies. I'm making a mental note to myself to convert you to loving case studies.
ReplyDeleteAnyway...I was surprised to see you defending Murphy here. You need to argue your point in class, too! I do think Murphy overstates her case a little, but I'm intrigued by how many of your classmates reacted positively to her in their responses. Maybe tutoring is more like therapy than I remember. I'm anxious to hear about sessions you conduct/observe that make you agree with her; don't hesitate to add those experiences to your responses on here.
Sorry to insult case studies. I really don't hate them all so I'm sure yours are riveting!--Depends on the subject matter. This was the first post ever so I promise to put more of my personal opinion, no matter how critical, in the following ones. I guess I didn't realize how opiniated we were allowed to be in accordance with etiquette. I promise I'll do better!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am sure that Morgan is a good tutor I was not convinced of this by reading the case study. In my opinion she was more interested in saying what she wanted to say rather than helping Fannie get her point across. Like Amy said, Fannie just had problems saying what she wanted to because she was insecure about her English. If morgan had realized this, a lot more progress would have been made.
ReplyDeleteMost of this is likely the cultural difference. However, if you are going to be a tutor it is important to learn how do deal with people who come from different backgrounds than yourself.