Chapter 3 Activity: Paired Interview Activity — A ‘Professional’ Tutor

Now that you’ve read a little about professionalism in the Writing Center, it’s time to explore what those concepts might look like in your tutoring style. This informal interview isn’t about getting the “right” answer, it’s about gaining perspective, asking questions, and starting to visualize how you’ll show up in your sessions.

You’ll do this by chatting with a current Writing Center consultant for approximately 15 minutes. If you’re not sure who to reach out to, feel free to speak to your director and ask for an introduction. During the informal interview, you could ask these questions:

Part 1: What Does “Professionalism” Mean to You?

• When you think about “professionalism” in the context of a Writing Center session, what comes to mind?

• What indicates to you that you’re in a “professional” context when you are seeking a service (at the WC or otherwise)?

• What’s one small thing you do at the start of a session to make a client comfortable?

Part 2: Tricky Situations

• What would you do if a student complained about their professor or an unclear assignment?

• How do you show empathy without “taking sides”?

• If a student gets emotional or vulnerable during a session, how do you respond?

Part 3: Boundaries

• How do you balance being relatable and being credible?

• Have you ever been in a consulting situation that made you worried about professionalism?

Jot down some notes from the interview. You’ll be invited to reflect more formally when completing the Chapter 3 reflection.