The best possible arrangement for tutoring is sitting side by side at a desk or table. Leigh Ryan writes in The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors , Such a setup suggests that you are an ally, not an authoritarian figure who dispenses advice from behind a desk. Sitting side by side allows you and the writer to look at the work in progress together, but you can still position your chairs to look at one another as you converse. Once you are situated, most writing center directors believe the student, not you the tutor, should hold and maintain control of the paper during the tutoring session. This prevents the potential for you to do the student s work.
Students can only learn to write by doing the writing themselves.
The student should make corrections and revisions on his own paper. Another option is for you to read the paper to the student so the student can hear his own work. The student can then make notes as you read or can interrupt with questions or comments. If you prefer to read the student s paper before you discuss it, encourage him to answer questions concerning his writing as you read. All rights reserved.