Re: More on Forms

[Kim Jackson <KIJCC@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>]

Every year I look at our form we ask students to complete when they
visit and see if I can streamline it even further.  I hate to fill out
forms, so I've tried to keep that in mind in our design.

We ask for name, ID number, and then a couple of questions.  As someone
mentioned, I like the idea of the student writing down the info, but tutors
will help if a student is having trouble -- and some do!
Our questions for the student: (with space for answers)

When do you have to turn your assignment in?
What class is your writing assignment for?
What is your writing assignment?
Is your writing assignment (check one):
   ___ in the understanding directions stage       ____ a revised draft
   ___ In the planning/notetaking stage            ____ a final draft
   ___ a rough draft                               ____ a graded paper

What aspect of your assignment would you like to work on today?

The last question sometimes elicits the answer: "everything!"  But, often
the student does write down other things.  We decided against the checklist
since we found that students were, again, checking everything.  And, I think
letting the student articulate what they want lets the tutor know what kind
of language the student uses in talking about their writing.  We talk a lot
in our course about educating students in talking about their writing.

The back of the form is for the tutor to complete.

Writer brought to session:

  __ nothing  __ assignment only  __ notes/outline  __ rough draft
  __ revised draft  __ graded paper

Type of writing:

  __ fiction/poetry  __ informative essay  __ personal essay __ research paper
  __ persuasive essay  __ writing about literature  __ article critique
  __ personal statement/application  __ business/technical writing
  __ proficiency/placement practice
  __ other ________________

Please indicate what happened during your tutoring session with this student.
If you helped the student with a particular assignment, please attach a copy
of the assignment.

The tutors requested the checklist and I like it.  I've been pretty open on
what they write in response to the "what happened."  The tutors have been
pretty happy with the form and for the most part, are fairly good about
completing it.

We are both a drop-in/appointment type center, and we do not send notices
to instructors.  However, instructors are always welcome to inquire about
their students.

kim at ccny