Negotiating WC Space

[rierieflowers]

On various occasions students have asked to study or use the computer without an appointment. I think we've looked at this as a case by case situation. Students can use the space to study provided the tables aren't filled; they can study in groups provided they don't make too much noise; students can use the computer provided they are working on coursework. But how do you handle a student who studies but asks you questions, even as minute as where does the semicolon go or how do I save my work without a usb? Is this problematic? Does it become a behavioral issue if the student is studying but continually comes to you with various questions about their work? Is the student becoming dependent?

Perhaps, in the WC, students know they are getting one on one attention, and this might make the difference as to how they approach their coursework, in and out of the classroom. I have worked with students in the WC who have asked me questions about MLA formatting, punctuation use, or other questions as it pertains to their assignment. And, this might be a very short Q & A session.They don't have an appointment, but they notice that I'm free. In fact, some have even apologized for interrupting me or apologized for asking questions ( I'm curious to know where that comes from).

What do any of you do in this instance? Or, what have you done if students ask questions without an appointment? When do the questions become too much? Can students ask questions or do we only insist that students have an appointment to ask questions? Should the WC be a space where the empty tables are an invitation to study and that tutors who are on the "clock" and free be available?  

Selena

[pwayne.stauffer]

I would just document the tutoring form on the Q&A. As long as they are quiet and not disruptive or a nuisance, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

 

Maybe it would be valuable to try to track “walk-ins” along with the appointments.

 

…Unless we just want to chase them out or ignore them if they don’t have an appointment…I don’t think we do, and I’m not suggesting that we do this.

 

Sounds like the WC room is seen by some as a de facto “study hall” close to classrooms. The library is across the parking lot; the student lounge is for socializing and can be noisy; the lounge chairs in the halls are not as quiet; the computer lab is almost too quiet (… and they don’t let you have any drinks in there); they maybe want/need a little personal interaction/help but not a lot.

 

Is this kind of quiet place to study and get a little help too far out of scope for the WC? Students obviously feel it’s an inviting place or they wouldn’t come.

 

w

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "HCCS_SE_Writing_Center" group.
To post to this group, send email to hccs_se_wri...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to hccs_se_writing_c...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/hccs_se_writing_center?hl=en.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[Ronald Foster]

I think you're right, Wayne. If they are here just to study, we tell them that if they are quiet, they can use a table toward the back, if one is available. However, if their friends come and they get noisy, we ask them to leave. 

During the evening, Danny and I generally tell the student they can use a computer if they have been using the Writing Center to get help, and we know who they are. These students will occasionally ask for help, and we will help them if we are not busy with another student. Otherwise, we are strict about letting them use a pc.

Ron Foster C. 281-748-1994

---

From: pwayne....@hccs.edu
To: hccs_se_wri...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Negotiating WC Space
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:22:43 +0000

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to hccs_se_writing_c...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to hccs_se_wri...@googlegroups.com.