To Correct or Not to Correct: The Ethics of Addressing Grammar in Writing Center Tutorials

Authors

Vicki R. Kennell, Purdue UniversityFollow

Recommended Citation

Kennell, Vicki R., "To Correct or Not to Correct: The Ethics of Addressing Grammar in Writing Center Tutorials" (2015). Purdue Writing Lab/Purdue OWL Presentations. Paper 10.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/writinglabpres/10

Date of this Version

4-10-2015

Keywords

Writing Centers, ESL, Grammar, L2 Writers

Abstract

Although students often ask for grammar help, writing center tutors are conflicted over whether and how much to provide such help because of how they internalize the tutoring mandates found in training manuals, tutoring literature, and writing center policies. This results in disconnects between what happens in tutorials and what tutors and writers think happens, with grammar being prioritized regardless of stated agendas or document needs. Solutions to this problem include educating writers and instructors, as well as educating tutors to address grammar productively when and if it is warranted.