Re: One's own students

[VCOMACLN@VicVX2.Vic.UH.EDU]

Sara,

I struggle with the dilemma you raise.   I teach at the University of 
Houston-Victoria, a small, upper level institution.  We have a 
required writing course that all our students must take, and a requirement of 
that course is that students attend a certain number of tutorials.  
Believe me, I know what that requirement does to student attitudes.  
But, on the other hand, I also see what happens when we make it 
optional.  Most of our students work and commute so their time is limited.  
The minute we make the sessions optional, they choose to opt out.  
Many of them also think that they are already good writers.  We 
constantly hear comments like, "Well I've gotten by so far, haven,t 
I?" or "I've made decent grades in all my other classes."  The 
perception is that they don't need the course or the help.

At least when we require the sessions, we have a chance to help them.  
We also have the chance to show them that everyone, even the best 
writers, can benefit from feedback.  Usually, even if they come in with 
a bad attitude, we usually win most of them over. 

Chari Norgard
University of Houston-Victoria