Pondering What it Means to be a Tutor
As I ponder what it means to be a tutor, I first think of my
own experience with writing. I ask myself why I write and what I hope to
accomplish. In other words, I think it best to begin by putting myself in the
position of a writer.
If someone were to ask what it is that I like most about
writing, I would say that I am most fond of the autonomy it allows me and of
how this allows me to connect with others. When I write, I extend a part of
myself onto a medium, expressing myself with the hope that I can connect with
an audience in some way, that I may both show and be shown, that I may both
teach and be taught; this hope is why I write.
Yet I have found that this hope seems less realistic at some
times more than others: Reflecting on my writing experience, academic or
otherwise, I recall times of inspiration and of frustration, of despair and of
triumph. Though one day I may feel like a paragon of writing prowess, I could
easily lapse into doubt and frustration the next, as my purpose may be lost in
the translation from mind to paper, or perhaps my purpose is ill-formed and
lacking—there are numerous possibilities for why I could struggle on a given
day.
However, when I have difficulty expressing myself, I find
solace in one thing (Well, OK, more than one, but Iron Maiden and chocolate are
not particularly relevant here): discussing my ideas with someone else. From
another’s perspective, I can see beyond my mental horizon, and discover ideas
that are hidden within me, as well as ideas that are outside of me. When I take
part in such discussion, I benefit from being shown and taught.
Considering all of this, I believe that the role of a tutor
is to provide the aforementioned external perspective.while allowing the writer
to remain autonomous. As a tutor, I need not be an oracle; instead, I need to
listen, observe, and share, helping writers to see outside themselves so that
they may better see ideas and inspiration within themselves.
"Agency" is certainly an important concept in writing and, I firmly believe, in education. Helping writers to develop agency or autonomy is a very important goal. Many times writers/students don't take charge of their writing/learning. How do you think we can encourage autonomy/agency in writers? What if someone comes to you and is very indecisive and not sure what to do?
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