At Odds With Tradition

“Our Little Secret a History of Writing Center Pre Post Open Admissions” By Elizabeth H Boquet discusses some of the fundamental issues Writing Centers go through because of their unique approach to learning. In traditional teaching methods the teacher supplies the student with information they have to memorize in order to pass an assessment. The student is forced to learn.  This article discussed how the foundation of a Writing Center is based on the responsibility of the student to want to learn, and yet, this model is at odds with traditional methods of instruction because of the different pedagogical styles present in the Writing Center. The focus is on encouraging self-awareness and self-reliance rather than the grade. The Writing Center itself is a teaching style. Boquet also pointed out that students should not be forced to go to the Writing Center; further more by making attendance a requirement students will not view the Writing Center as an extracurricular resource. Students who are forced to go becasue of an assigment or a bad grade will view the Writing Center as an extension of the class room obligations. So why do so many teachers require their students to attend?  On the other hand if teachers require students to show up The Writing Center will see more students and hopefully receive more attention ($) and recognition for its efforts.  So where is the balance? What is the solution? I think it comes down to educating both teachers and students about the benefits of collaborative learning and reiterating the student’s responsibility to control their education.