Observing Cathryn

I observed one Cathryn Molloy’s sessions. All semester it has been just the two of us on Fridays from ten to one. I always enjoy my time in the writing center with Cathryn. She always come in extremely perky and immediately makes me feel at home by asking if I want tea. She always wakes me up more than the coffee I am drinking.

Anyway, the session I observed was between her and a senior boy who was majoring Electrical Engineering. When she asked him what his paper was on her told her that it was about the economy. He informed her that his paper was “high stakes” and he needed her to do some intensive editing for him. He also told her to let him know if he needed to elaborate on any aspects of his paper. Cathryn explained that she would do her best because she did not have any background in the topic he was writing about.

Cathryn began reading his paper and immediately complimented him. She told him that he was brave to tackle such a complicated topic. After the compliment and positive reinforcement Cathryn began correcting his grammar. She told him to put a colon instead of a period and explained why he had to put the colon there; “a colon indicates a list.” Thus, she was teaching him how to utilize a colon for other papers as well; she was teaching not editing.

I observed how Cathryn phrased her sentences when tutoring to ensure that the student felt comfortable with her. For example, Cathryn used phrases like:

“Oh! this makes more sense to me”

“I think that’s what you meant here”

“this is interesting but I think you should clarify what you mean to the audience “

“Amazing”

“wow, so cool!”

“it’s really great how you give a term and define it!”

When the student’s session was over he seemed extremely happy with his session, a session that was filled with facilitative tutoring. This session exemplifies why Cathryn is an amazing tutor and teacher. Cathryn does more than just edit; she explains how and why the changes that are made are necessary. She also compliments the strong aspects of the paper, which makes the student more comfortable being critiqued on his or her weak moments.

I feel as if I am always subconsciously observing her sessions on Fridays. Cathryn is an outgoing, friendly, warm person. She is a natural born teacher and tutor. Her sessions appear effortless. I always feel inspired when I observe her and I am sure other tutors feel that same.