Welcome New Peers!!!

Welcome to the official COD Writing and Reading Center blog!!

On this blog you will be able to post comments, suggestions, idea's, events, problems and any questions that you have about your peer tutoring experiences. Students that we tutor will NOT have access to this so feel free to be open about discussions. And most importantly, have fun with this!

another wc adventure

well well well...I just stumbled across my old list of "blogs in my community" and look what I've found! the codwc blog is still up and running! Excellent (mr. burns style finger tent)

I am getting ready to start my first semester at UIC on Monday, was lucky enough to get into a 400-level tutoring class called "campus writing consultants". I also had a chance to meet with some of the staff at the UIC writing center to get a feel for what to expect there. I'm getting really excited as the first day of class draws near, but I'm also realizing how much I miss all of the great students and faculty I met and worked with at the cod wc.

So, here's to hoping you all have an excellent semester and that I will remember to make time to stop in and see you all once you are up and running!

Oh, that reminds me, I found a really cool tool online called "remember the milk". its it's like virtual to do list, for those of you are ruled by never ending post it notes. It's little hairy getting used to how to navigate it, but use the help button long enough and it's a very cool way to manage tasks and due dates, etc.

see you all soon!
-sabrina

Copyright calculator

I found a slider to determine whether a given work is protected by copyright. Could come in handy.

Peer handbook ideas

We talked a lot about these at the meetings (today and on the 12th); I thought a list here (and in the comments) would be fairly practical - once we felt there were enough ideas, we could compile them into a proper MS Word document. To start, here are a few broad categories:

• Design scripts/templates for handling threatening situations--be brief; don't personalize the response to the student (i.e. don't make reference to the student's race, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• Complaints about _____ (e.g. visitors to the college) go to _____ (e.g. Public Safety).
• Make a poster/leaflet with student rules/responsibilities for conduct. 1) Respect peers (personal space, questions, etc.). 2) Be civil--no vulgarity, slurs, etc. 3) ...

Side note - should we have categories (labels) for posts?

QUESTION...

There have been more and more students booking appointments for the same day (none of which state that they have a blue card,) they are not back to back but an hour or so apart from eachother. Most of the time they are working on the same assignment during both appointments also.
I've asked a couple people if they are allowed to do this, and I've gotten various responses. So I just wanted to know once and for all, if they can book two appointments in the same day?

I personally do not think that students should be able to do this, because it takes away from another student's chance for help.

Can I please get a final answer on this.

First post of 2008!

WOO HOO!!!!

2-4 in the Writing Center

The library seems to be slow this semseter. Probably b/c no one knows where it is or doesn't want to take the time to find out. An idea was suggested, from a fellow peer, that we be open from 2-4 pm in the Writing Center instead of the library this semester or in future semesters. Here's why.

1) Because people already know where the Writing Center is.
2) Several students have come here to the WC and we've referred them to the Library site. They never make it to the Library site. Perhaps b/c they don't want to look for it because it is hard to find. Or don't want to walk across the campus to get there. As a result, the peer coaches spend 3 hours in that room doing nothing.
3) Lack of peer coaches in the Library site.
4) Library room it too small and easily overcrowded. Therefore, students don't get the privacy they deserve when in the Library site.

LD strategies

I know Rochelle is probably more of an expert in this area, but it can't hurt to have an ongoing list of hints for working with LD students. Here's one to start:

• For dyslexics: sometimes a colored background or a colored cellophane overlay helps by keeping the letters from swimming around, a trademark symptom of dyslexia. I had one student this past semester who was having trouble reading smoothly and without a pointer. She also confused similarly spelled words. (characteristic symptoms) Another student said right at the start that she was dyslexic and had used a cellophane sheet for years--she was taking 1102 when I worked with her!
  

Does anyone remember the date that the writing center will be re-open & we'll begin work again after winter break?? I know it's near the end of January, but I forgot the exact date!

How to involve the student

I have had some difficulty asking questions that get the student more involved in the grammar sessions. Some students just want you to correct their paper when it comes to grammar (especially ESL). I can't think of any questions that would make the student think and correct their own paper. Any ideas??

ESL strategies

Since we have so many ESL students (in remedial, "ESL," or normal classes) come in on a regular basis, and at one time or other we'll be at a loss as to how to explain something in terms they'll understand and internalize, I was thinking of having this be a running post - individual comments for insights, ideas, etc.

To start (of course, immersion is the best strategy, but that takes time and we have to work with what we have):

* How do we explain the reasons for using "a/an" or "the" in front of some nouns and omitting the article in front of others? General rules?

* Prepositions - a biggie.

* Verb tenses - in my experience, this hasn't been too much of a problem, but it's worth discussing anyway.

* Subject-verb agreement and "of" clauses - e.g. "The pack (singular) of cards (plural) is/are (they sometimes don't understand which one to use; this has entailed a lengthy explanation on my part on several occasions) sitting on the table."

* Punctuation marks (several peers have worked with some people who have no idea what the different ones look like).

* Sentence order and organization.

Continue...

Today is a special day...

As I headed out the door this morning, I saw on the calendar that, at least in the US, today is "National Boss Day." So here's something trite (if you guys can think of anything better, post it...):

Happy Boss Day to you,
Happy Boss Day to you,
Happy Boss Day, dear Helen,
Happy Boss Day to you!

field trip

hi everybody! I know I mentioned it in the meeting, and the minutes that I was going to try and visit one ior more writing centeres at other schools in the near future. Just in case anyone didn't read it everywhere else- here it is again!

If you are thinking of transferrring to a chicago-area school (suburbs included),
please let me know. I'm planning a lunch with a UIC grad. who worked in the WC there.
We picked a cool cafe in the Milwaukee Damen neighborhood (near Ukranian village/wicker park) for lunch so that I can ask her tons of questions that I have. Later in the semester, or possibly next semester, she is going to show me around the actual WC.

I know you were all dying to know this.
Seriously, though, even if you don't think writing center work directly relates to your major, it may be worth looking into your transfer school has a writing center.

If anyone decides that they would like to check out the center at another school, let me know. I'm interesetd in writing centers in general as part of my major, so I would love to tag along.
-sabrina

Welcome

Welcome Peer Coaches!





Join the College of Dupage Writing and Reading Center Blog. This blog is for you.





All of you have been doing a wonderful job this semester. So far we have had over 300 appointments in the 5 short weeks we have been open. There are 2 main resons for this. The students really like the help that you have been giving them, and WCOnline has made it so very easy for them to schedule their appointments.





I would like you to use this blog to discuss the day to day going on in the center. ..your joys and your challenges.



Be sure to check this once a day if you can, Monday-Thursday, and post on it.



Have a great week,



Helen