For my writing center observation I observed a student getting assistance for his GSW 111 course. This young man missed the day of GSW 111 that they did peer review for a paper. He asked for help on transitions/organization and also help with his sources and how to prove his citations.  Before looking for direct issues, the consultant read the paper. She said that she always reads the paper and the directions for the paper before she does anything just so she has a better understanding. After reading she pointed out a few parts that could make the paper flow better and she also gave suggestions to add to make for a better argument.

My consultant said that most of her consultations usually are not like the one I observed. There is usually more in-depth conversation and more of a specific point that the student needs assistance with, such a the first draft. She told me when consulting there are a few things to be cautious of: watch how much you tell the students because if they use your words that is considered plagiarism, push them in a direction, but don’t tell them the direction and ask general questions rather than specific to let the student find where they need to go.

Overall, I felt that the writing center consultation was very similar to the theories of writing pedagogy that have been introduced in our writing course.  The consultant was very helpful to the student, but when assiting the student she let him find his way instead of directly giving him where his writing should go. I like this because it was what I want to do for my students, I do not want to give them the answers I want to give them direction.