Lulu: Two questions


Question after reading Bedford chapters 1 and 2:

These chapters mentioned commiseration. Is it useful (especially with enrollment students who call themselves “bad writers”) to share your own history as a writer, including what you struggle with? For instance a student might say “I’m terrible with conclusions” - could I respond along the lines of “You know, conclusions are something I have a hard time with too. But here are some tricks that help me when I'm writing a conclusion." When is it appropriate to let a student know that they aren't alone in a particular challenge vs. present oneself as an "expert?"

Question after reading the Writing Center Tutor's Guide: 

Similarly to the above, what's the best way to respond to a finished invitation by a student who doesn't feel confident in their writing when you see a number of technical issues in the piece? Is it best to focus on finding elements to praise for a new enrollment student who might need their confidence boosted? Or if not, how do you approach a more constructive conversation when you're still getting to know a student and their writing?

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