Presents a heuristic to help writing laboratory directors implement a nonprescriptive, nondirective tutor training program which allows tutors to take an active role in their own training. The heuristic is divided into four parts: establishing rapport, exploring potential, discovering strategies, and on-going self-review. (RS)

Delineates necessary steps for planning effective writing center workshops, namely: (1) identify topics or target populations, (2) establish goals and measurement techniques, (3) initiate contact with faculty or administration in related content areas, (4) determine workshop format and develop comprehensive materials for student use, (5) train…

Proposes a dialogic method of training tutors, based on a learning theory which views the "class" as a conversation, where teacher and learner are indistinguishable. Asserts that where dialogue is lacking, information may be transferred, but little is learned. (MM)

Examines some of the difficulties in peer tutoring and points out the dilemma of whether to emphasize the tutor component (apprentice model) or the peer component (colearner model). Offers a solution that incorporates elements from both stages, one that treats tutors developmentally. (NKA)

Argues that if writing centers are to remain homes of flexible, student-centered instruction, tutors have to be able to deviate from their usual patterns of instruction under special circumstances. Suggests a multi-variate approach to identify and gain perspective on the rigid approaches student respondents and tutors assume during the writing…

Offers perspectives of four different writing lab personnel, namely: (1) a new peer tutor with writing skills but no formal training in teaching; (2) a graduate teaching assistant in writing with no tutoring experience; (3) an experienced tutor reflecting on what he wished he had been taught; and (4) a director-tutor sharing her lab experience.…