Re: tutor training

[Rob Russell <rrussell@mail.3wave.com>]

Meg (and others):

Since my WC has only been functioning for a year now, I'm still playing
around with different training methods.  A far as materials are
concerned, currently we use the Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors for
readings and exercises, as well as The Practical Tutor and a great book
called When Tutor Meets Student (written by tutors at UC-Berkely) for
additional readings.  The training itself consists of one meeting a
month, at which we discuss readings and exercises, as well as our own
experiences and changes/adjustments in WC procedures, and we also do
some training activities such as role-playing.  Tutors must also turn in
journals and Bedford exercises on a monthly basis (I'm easy though --
only one entry per week is required).

My tutors also have to be knowledgable in using DIWE and the Internet,
since I also teach two comp-assisted courses in our WC (and another
English faculty member teaches one) and my students are always in and
out of the WC.  I require the tutors to submit their journals using DIWE
and to do an annotated biblio. of scholarly web-sites relating to their
majors. (Since I'm using undergrads and mostly non-English majors --
small school -- I try to take advantage of their depth and skills in
other ways as well, assigning them individualized training in related
areas...but I ramble on).

Hope I've been of some service!

Rob Russell