Do we even need English 242? That is, perhaps, a dangerous question with which to start, but then again, dangerous questions are usually the most productive. Other schools certainly ask the question, and not every writing center requires a course; some hold day-long workshops, or a week-long introduction, and others have student advisors simply jump into the pool and start advising (there's a mixed metaphor). The idea, at least in part, is that students will learn as they go. Readings and exercises and mock tutorials are optional.
Now, in some cases, this approach is guided not so much by a sense of pedagogy but rather by budget. Not all schools can afford a credit course for their advisors. I would argue that we are fortunate in that this course has been on the books for many years and that the community here believes that there is a value in exploring and discussing the literature regarding writing centers. I do believe there is more to advising than being a good writer. But, I don't want to assume and blind myself to other possibilities--I should always ask why we are requiring this class. And, I know from past semesters that the readings we will be covering will seem dense at times and, perhaps, unnecessary. For me, though, we are laying the theoretical groundwork for our future work in the Center. We all stand somewhere, we all believe something about writing and reality, whether or not we articulate that belief. So, one of my goals for the semester is to have us all articulate exactly where we do stand. (You already read some provocative statements from Murphy and Sherwood about our work possibly supporting and extending racist and sexist policies. Those are some heavy accusations.)
One more point to open with: you will no doubt look to make comparisons between your own experiences in the Center as a writer with what we discuss in class. And you should. I do not expect that every session you had went as well as it could have, and you should take those experiences and build from them. Most important, I hope you always remember what it is like to sit in the writer's chair when you hold your sessions. Identifying with that role is perhaps the most important part of advising.
And, here's the link to that video I wanted to show you on Sunday: take a look when you can. http://www.peercentered.org/2012/01/ron-maxwells-advice-to-tutors.html
In my time at Witt, I haven't gone to the Writing Center very often, but when I did it was usually for help with brainstorming. If it weren't for this class, I would have little to no insight as to what other types of sessions consist of and I doubt that many other people have been to enough sessions to know step by step what to do in every single situation. A one day workshop simply isn't enough time to learn everything and to practice what it's like to think and act like a good tutor. This class gives us the preparation and confidence we need to successfully help the writers who so bravely come in to see us. So I would argue that there should be no second guessing as to whether or not to have the class. I think it's a pretty necessary thing.
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