Types of Conferences and the Composing Process by H. Eric Branscomb

http://casebuilder.rhet.ualr.edu/wcrp/publications/wcj/wcj7.1/wcj7.1_branscomb.pdf 

H. Eric Branscomb breaks down tutoring sessions into three types of conferences: the process conference, the content process, and the skills conference. He suggests that each type of conference can be used during a mix of stages of the composing process. 


The Content Conference –

A content conference focuses on content and what it is the writer wants to express, rather than errors.  Tutors ask questions provoking students to write more raw material without regard to organization, grammar, spelling, etc. The content conference aims to increase details, sensory words, elaboration on thoughts and insights. This type of conference works best during the pre-writing, drafting, and revising stages.

The Process Conference –

A Process conference is more about understand how a student moves from pre-writing to drafting to editing and their attitude about their process. The tutor can provide ideas and examples of brainstorming, proofreading techniques, and revising. Many college students don’t utilize the myriad of techniques available for the stages of writing – this type of session can help the student work through their current assignment and assignments in their future.

The Skills Conference –

The skills conference is concerned with teaching students within the context of their own writing. Skills such as proofreading, grammar, research, and editing are better demonstrated with their own papers rather than with a worksheet or test. Instead of proofreading for the student, tutors who point out reoccurring errors can explain the error or help the student find resources for editing their own writing. Branscomb suggests that an oral reading will help identify errors they know how to self-correct and those they don’t self-correct, guiding the tutor's choice of  skills to be address during the conference.   

During a 40 minute consultation it is likely all three types of conference techniques are used in a single session. As long as student's concerns have been addressed, all these techniques provide valuable help and information.