tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790062.post3023964607952187022..comments2024-03-27T08:11:29.257-06:00Comments on PeerCentered: Red PensClint Gardnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671508034667904543noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790062.post-74300958270599419142009-02-23T13:35:00.000-07:002009-02-23T13:35:00.000-07:00I don't like the idea of writing on a writer's pap...I don't like the idea of writing on a writer's paper with red pen or otherwise, but I agree that red pen gets a reputation that it doesn’t deserve. (It’s just a color, right? It is chosen because it is easy to see, not because it is soul-crushing.) Personally, I am able think more clearly when I am writing, so while listening to the writer I usually take notes on a notepad. During a consultation, I try to make sure that the writer has a pencil handy to take their own notes, and if the urge to “fix” something gets too strong for me, I put away my own pencil entirely.<BR/>It’s great, Lizzy, that in both of your consultations you were able to help the writers to understand what the writing center does and that both consultations went well. It can be a struggle to maintain the balance between a collaborative and a “productive” environment in a consultation. I think that taking the time to explain a little bit about what we do is a great idea.<BR/>So, my question is what sort of strategies do you all have for working with a writer who wants the “red pen” treatment and who isn’t understanding what the writing center does due to past experiences, cultural background, etc? I have had some consultations like this where I tried to explain what the writing center does and have been met with the same reply of, “Yeah, but I just want you to fix my paper!” So PeerCentered People, what do you suggest?<BR/>-JennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790062.post-89363227071592669432009-02-20T20:52:00.000-07:002009-02-20T20:52:00.000-07:00Cindy Johanek included an interesting mini-study c...Cindy Johanek included an interesting mini-study comparing ink color "effects" in her book Composing Research, a book worth reading for many reasons. :)ecpowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439744288615544149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790062.post-42988913876163691892009-02-20T19:25:00.000-07:002009-02-20T19:25:00.000-07:00I don't understand why red pens have gotten a bad ...I don't understand why red pens have gotten a bad rap. Such reactions revert to fear, instilling <I>more</I> fear by their mere mention, when it fact if one doesn't make a big deal by using them, the "fear factor" disappears and using them becomes as innocuous as using any other writing implement. One can choose to write on a paper using any color, pen, pencil - or using nothing at all. No one usage need be more right or wrong than any other type of usage. <BR/><BR/>I have students request I use pens because - are you ready for this answer? - <I>it's got the most highly visible ink</I>. And writing using a highly visibly ink - formerly red because it was the most prolifically offered buy really it could be any color, couldn't it? - whether the student uses that ink, or the tutor, draws attention back to the notes that serve as a reminder of what was discussed in the session.<BR/><BR/>I say, take back the red pen. Remember that it's just a color, and by not making it a big deal, it becomes not a big deal.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15143978663214331262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3790062.post-89002342831188278142009-02-20T10:32:00.000-07:002009-02-20T10:32:00.000-07:00Red pens? Nooooooo! We don't even write on paper...Red pens? Nooooooo! We don't even write on papers at all, pencil or not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com