Chapter 2 Reflection: The (Moral) Duties of a Writing Center Consultant

Now that you’ve read about the four stages of the writing process and how to support each one in a Writing Center session, it’s time to reflect on how these stages intersect with broader issues in writing pedagogy—especially grammar & identity, and giving holistic feedback. These two foundational readings will help you to understand your (moral) duties as a consultant.

John C. Bean.  ‘Dealing with Issues of Grammar and Correctness’.  2001.

• Read Bean’s ‘Dealing with Issues of Grammar and Correctness’.  Bean suggests that teaching grammar does not improve writing.  Bean approaches grammar as a sociological and political issue: to change one’s language is to change one’s social identity.  Do you agree with Bean?  Or is it our duty in a Writing Center to teach ‘correct’ grammar?  Give suggestions to tackling social embarrassment in our Center.

If turning in a written reflection to your director (yes, for UW), please write a minimum of three paragraphs. 

Ben Rafoth. ‘Looking at the Whole Text’.  2009.

• Look at the essay ‘Looking at the Whole Text’ in Ben Rafoth’s book, ESL Writers. This essay is in conversation with the North and Bean readings. When we feel guilty for contributing to the image of the Writing Center as a ‘fix-it shop’ (for grammar and proof-checking etc.), what should we do?

If turning in a written reflection to your director (yes, for UW), please write a minimum of three paragraphs.