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Home » Archives » Spring 2004 (Volume 1 Issue 2) - Training on the Cutting Edge
Spring 2004 / Consultant Spotlight Spring 2004 / Consulting
Ilana Dvorin of Maine East High School steps into the spotlight.
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Submissions Submit an article to Praxis Ilana Dvorin Name: Ilana Dvorin Age: 17 Writing center: COACH Center at Maine East High School Size of school: 2200 Year in school: Senior in high school Number of years working in writing centers: This is my second year. Job title: Tutor Describe the work you do in the writing center: Students come to the center for help with their writing. I edit papers and help students correct grammatical mistakes. I also work with students to develop well-structured papers. I help students organize their thoughts and connect ideas to their theses. Describe the training you’ve participated in: After a lengthy training session, I was certified by the National Tutoring Association. Additionally, I have been trained by the COACH Center each semester. How do you normally start a consultation? I begin by introducing myself and finding out more about the student I am tutoring. I make sure the student has his materials, and I ask what the student is looking to accomplish. I also find out more about the assignment and the class that he needs help with. Describe your consulting style: I try to be informal to make the student feel
comfortable. My favorite kind of consultation is . . . when a student leaves feeling more confident about his work. My greatest strength as a consultant is . . . my patience. I like to spend as much time as possible with a student. My greatest weakness is . . . that I tend to want to do the work for the student. What I like about working in a writing center is . . . that I get to further my interest in English education. What I don’t like is . . . when a student does not come prepared. My most challenging consultation was . . . with a student who did not speak English well. It complicated the session. What advice would you give to beginning consultants? New consultants must remember to remain patient and be respectful of the students. Furthermore, remember that each student has different strengths and weaknesses; each tutoring session is independent from the previous one. What kind of writing do you do? I enjoy writing short stories and poetry. I am editor of my school paper and enjoy journalism. How has working in a writing center affected the way you write? I am now more cautious about details. I proofread my work more often, too. ‹ Spring 2004 / About Us
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