Focus on collaboration over correction
See yourself as a coach or guide, not a fixer
Believe that all students are capable of growth with the right support
Practice patience: writing is a process, and progress looks different for everyone
Understand these stages so you can meet students where they are:
Brainstorming: Helping generate and organize ideas.
Drafting: Getting ideas down without worrying about perfection.
Revising: Restructuring, strengthening arguments, clarifying points.
Editing: Fine-tuning grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Tip: Don't jump into editing too early, focus on ideas first!
Note: These stages are not always linear. Writers may jump back and forth as they develop their work. That’s totally normal!
Good feedback is clear, specific, and encouraging.
Use open-ended questions:
(“Can you explain what you mean here?”)
Praise what’s working:
(“Your thesis is strong and I can clearly tell what you're arguing!”)
Offer gentle guidance:
(“Would it make sense to add a few more examples here?”)
Remember: feedback should empower, not overwhelm.
Here are simple resources that can make tutoring sessions smoother:
Blank paper and pens for brainstorming
Graphic organizers for outlining essays
Example outlines or paragraph templates
Access to writing handouts (ex: from Purdue OWL, UNC Writing Center)
A calming, student-centered attitude
Every student is different!
Some may need more idea development, others might want help with organization, and some might need encouragement just to get started. Being adaptable and student-focused is key to being a great writing tutor.
Greet the student warmly
Ask about their goals for the session:
"What part of your writing would you like to work on today?"
Review the assignment instructions together
Set a small, clear goal for the session (e.g., strengthen the thesis, outline main ideas, review citation formatting)
Remind the student that they are in control of their writing; you are a guide
Focus on big ideas first (not just grammar)
Let the student lead their own writing
Offer encouragement and positive feedback
Adjust your approach based on their needs
End with a clear plan or next step