February 4-8

       This week passed as uneventfully as the last in terms of consultations I received. That is not to say that the writing center was empty during this time, however. I noticed several appointments being fulfilled by my peers, notably those with longer shifts in the writing center. It occurs to me that I would be in a similar position had I the time to work a four hour shift this semester, but alas time is not so forthcoming this Spring. Instead of discussing sessions for this week, as I have had none, I think I will consider something more "interesting" or at least worthy of discussion. That is, the location of sessions and the effect it has on a student's 45 minute session.
        I will need to expound on this, of course, as the idea is still in its infancy in my own mind, but the basic gist is that I've been thinking about students that may be too shy to speak or give their input during sessions, leading to a one-sided session of the consultant suggesting a course of action and the student accepting it wholesale. I've been wondering, especially now that we're in the Spring semester and the weather may improve in a month, if sessions outside, or even just in a less formal environment like the library/Einstein's, would improve the performance/activity of these students. I posit this question/answer primarily because I know there are people out there that believe themselves to be "bad writers," I've heard nearly half my freshman tutees claim such a thing, and so might be self conscious with stating their own opinion on their paper. 
        When speaking on the nature of these environments, it would be preferable to claim an area that is calm - hence the recommendation to be outside in good weather - but also away from distractions (the true threat to this idea). Einstein's is full of distractions and could lead to a possible side conversation should one of the student's friends pass by. Outside, it depends entirely on where one is, but it should be quite obvious that the Great Lawn would be an inappropriate choice. Basically, it comes down to the consultant's discretion. This is all just an idea that I may go into more detail with should I have any more weeks in the near future in which I do not receive any appointments - perhaps even when I do, and they match the description of student that I have explained above. 

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