Blog 7: Oxford and Bedford Guide Chapter 4

11/17/2022

Summary:

    With The Oxford Guide, from the sections which were legible in this scan (here's the reminder you asked for in class to scan this reading again), the main point of focus is giving students the motivation to continue to improve their papers.  Various strategies include use of metacommentary (commentary about commentary), remaining (at least outwardly) interested in the paper, and giving praise to keep spirits up.  For Chapter 4 of the Bedford Guide, various learning styles are outlined and explained, along with common points of concern a student may have with their writing.  Different "roadblocks" you may encounter are listed as well, giving an idea of how to help students who may face specific difficulties with writing.

Commentary:

    As evidenced in the Bedford Guide by the vast array of intricacies in difficulty with writing students may face, knowing the student you're tutoring is highly recommended.  Being able to account for a student's specific challenges in writing will go a long way in being able to effectively tutor them, and it should be kept in mind that everybody learns in a different way.  If a student has difficulties with learning in a classroom or lecture hall environment, one-on-one tutoring is a great asset in their academia.  Of course, there are many different reasons given in the Bedford Guide as to why one-on-one tutoring is the preferred method for writing centres, and I appreciate all the specific examples given, as well as the details put into each subsection for how to help in each different situation.

Question:

    Aside from those listed in the Bedford Guide, are there any other notable strategies that should be accounted for pertaining to differences in learning and/ or disabilities?