WSP Program Info Site - Tutor Session #4

Writing Tutoring Session 3

The final Writing Tutoring session builds on what students did during the Writing Workshop about the mechanics of academic essay writing, introductions and conclusions, revising a full draft, signposts, and concise. Tutors then have students sign up for 15-minute time slots in which students can receive feedback on their essay drafts up to this point, focusing on argument development, use of evidence and analysis, essay structure, and concise writing. Like in previous sessions, Tutors ask students to set one reachable writing goal for the evening.

Learning Objectives

Understand the value and importance of receiving feedback and asking for support
Articulate one writing goal to achieve by the end of the session
Apply feedback to individual writing
Work toward the final draft of the essay
(See Writing Workshop one-pager for Unit 2 for learning objectives related to the assignment)

Readings

Below are required readings that students complete the night before and discuss in their study groups with fellows and in a seminar with faculty. Students also have the newest edition (6th) of They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, so tutors should use this text to explain conventions of academic writing as applicable.

Douglass, Frederick. “What to a Slave is the 4th of July?”

Lincoln, Abraham. “First Inaugural Address,” “Gettysburg Address,” and “Second Inaugural Address”

Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Seneca Falls Convention Declaration of Sentiments”

Truth, Sojourner. “Women’s Rights Convention” Speech

What Students Know

Students will have attended a seminar in the morning titled, Reshaping Democracy, during which they will have discussed the above readings. They will have attended a three-hour Writing Workshop in which they will have focused on the mechanics of academic essay writing, including the role and importance of introductions and conclusions, transitions and signposts, writing concisely, and citation and academic integrity.

Your Role

Writing Tutors provide a core service in our academic boot camps by ensuring that WSP participants feel comfortable and confident in academic writing, including asking for support with their writing. Your role is, ultimately, to be yourself; to share your expertise with participants and to run the class like you would with traditional college students. We highly encourage you to find ways to connect with participants and to share any advice you have for them as they transition from military service to higher education.

Note: The following are broad guidelines and not meant to be prescriptive. All units are flexible so that faculty can teach to their expertise and highlight important and interesting aspects of their work. Keep in mind the reading that students will have done for the day.