Reading strategies

Sometimes a writer just needs help getting started with a text. You can help them out by giving tips that you use yourself when reading for classes. You might also try reading the text aloud along with your writer to help them stay focused on the text. If this helps, you might want to recommend a text-to-speech software that the writer can use outside of your session. 

If you're still struggling, you can refer to the handout on the right. We try to provide a few strategies for reading texts that might be used for research, and general reading tips. You can also give this to your writer at the end of your session together.

Research Strategies

Writers might come in for help with a research paper. There are so many places a student can go to access articles, it might be overwhelming. In this case, it you can help students narrow down their research strategies. You might consider sharing the research process you had for your English 161 class. Alternatively, you can walk through the Research Guide we have on the left.  The researcher guide is meant to be a sort of checklist for new researchers, helping students through the research process.

Be sure to show your writer the "Ask a Librarian" feature of the UIC Library website. The library has many librarian specialist that have extensive knowledge of resources. During your session, you might even consider talking to the librarian through the chat together, and try setting up an appointment with a reference librarian and your writer. 

Workflow Strategies

Sometimes, your writer might tell you they're having a hard time keeping everything together with their assignment, or they're feeling stressed out about completing their work. This isn't something you can fix during an hour writing center session, but you might consider going over their hand out with them, and talking through techniques that would work best for them. This handout provides workflow strategies like memory aides, working techniques, and self-care tips that your writer might find helpful for completing their work.