After reading the first three chapters of Tutor Writing: A Practical Guide for Conferences I've gained more knowledge about it is that writing centers do. What I liked most about the chapters is that they pieced together not only what writing centers are for but what writing consultants are for as well.
In chapter 1 the Talk/Write theory posed to be helpful for me because of the interaction that is done between the writer and the tutor. The two build a comfort zone with one another with talking and in turn there isn't any awkwardness when it is time to meet with each other. Also, talking helps the writer brings his or her ideas to life and allowing it to be changes made with help from the writing consultant. Writing to me seemed like the final draft of the whole process once the consultant and writer share their ideas with one another the writer then composes a piece that satisfies what he or she wanted his work to be about. With this being done the consultant then is there for support and help, another team building (comfort zone) approach.
Chapter 3 what the rules portion of the book which basically, in my opinion, states that the tutor (or writing consultant) is not, by any chance, a teacher but the writers help and support system. One on one time is not a cheer leading session where the consultant gives the writer false praise, however, correcting errors shouldn't be the main goal neither. A writing consultant is there to give praise where praise is due and to be of any assistance to a problem in a writers work. Having an editor relationship with the writer nitpicking at every little thing that the writer does wrong but don't allow the writer to believe that his or her work is better than what it is. Going back to the comfort zone that is described as the Theapry part of chapter 3 where there is a bond between the writer and consultant to bring in a comfortable setting.
With the points given I've gotten a greater understanding of what writing centers are for. These points stood out the most to me.
Even though I read these chapters twice, I must have been half-dead. Eric also mentioned in his blog the power in comfort in a relationship between two objects. Likewise, you mentioned twice the importance of comfort. I must have let this pass me, but it seems so much more vital to me now that you two put it out there.
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