Definition of minimalist: (1)one who advocates a moderate or conservative approach, action, or policy as in a political or governmental organization. (2) of, relating to, characteristic of, or in the style of minimalism.
Minimalist tutoring (student-centered tutoring) is an approach to tutoring that seeks to minimize a student's dependence on their tutor. Therefore, the role of the tutor is to act as a guiding tool. The tutor does not proof-read, correct errors, check the style, or explain readings to the student. Instead the tutor works with the student in revising, complicate and develop readings of his or her texts. Basically a minimalist tutor is some-what like a study-buddy. With the tutor the student will find ways to identify her problem areas in writing, plans and ideas on how to improve that writing, and just provide the student with the needed guidance to become an excellent writer.
This form of tutoring works on an individualized basis. Each student has their own tutor to spend one on one time with to ensure that writing, reading and comprehension will be improved. With this basic hands off approach and the comfortable environment of one on one with the student, the tutor allows the student to figure out problem areas on their own, ask questions when needed and to not feel embarrassed when making mistakes.
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10 comments:
I did not know that there were different types of tutoring. I've always thought that tutoring was tutoring, nothing more. Now that I have read about minimalist tutoring, I do agree, that that in fact is a good thing. A tutor is not there to do the job for you, they are there to guide you through the process.
Minimalist tutoring has been going on for quite some time. This is essentially the idea behind places such as Sylvan Learning Center. Minimalist style tutoring is very effective because the point is make the student self-reliant and ween him off of the dependence of the tutor. This style creates an environment in which the student does not feel trapped and helpless, but can feel a sense of pride that he is achieving his goals mostly on his own.
Minimalist tutoring seems like the perfect way to let students teach themselves. Instead of giving the students instruction just like in class, Minimalist tutoring allows students to learn on their own. Being guided to find the answers rather than being told the facts. This guided instruction sets itself apart from in-class teaching and provides students with some variety in their schoolwork.
Hello all, Monica apparently did her summary about the wrong link. The research essay you were supposed to read was "Collaboration Is Not Collaboration Is Not Collaboration," attached as a URL and as a pdf file to Livetext on Day 18!!!!
The link you commented on has to be read by all as a PREPARATION for our visiting tutor from the Writing Center this Wednesday/Friday!!! You don't need to comment on "minimalist tutoring"; just know what it is (for the midterm exam, and in preparation of the info session with the tutor).
Monica, you may post the right text as a comment to your original text on this link. The others: you can just continue posting the RIGHT comment under this link here! Sorry for the three people who did the extra work ;-)
Dr. V
After reading the article on collaborative writing, I now understand that it involves two or more writers working together to produce one product. In my opinion, I feel that tutorial assistance and peer groups are both very effective and important.
Tutorial assistance is important for those individuals whom need help with specific areas in writing. Tutors can help one identify the problems he/she is having with writing, and focus on that issue in follow up sessions. This type of assistance allows one to attend as many sessions as needed to become more efficient in writing.
On the other hand there are peer response groups which are also very effective. Here the student has completed the writing task and the peers can edit, proofread and even correct mistakes found. Students are able to proofread their own papers this way and make corrections accordingly.
I feel that both groups are effective and needed in different occasions. Someone who just wants to be critiqued can use peer assistance and someone who wants to learn more about specific areas in writing should use tutors.
I have never heard of a minimalist but I know of the concept. I think it is a good idea for the tutor to act as a guide. This will help students develop independance and help them not question themselves and their work so much. This also allows students to find their own errors. It is good that the student is set in a confortable setting. This should help with progress and stress levels. I tutor on campus and I work with some students this way and some students I will do more proof reading, revising, and correct errors. It all depends on what works best for each individual student.
For the tutor to act as a guide is a good idea. Personally I have never heard of minimalist tutoring, but it is a very good idea. This tutoring idea creates a setting for the student to feel good about themselves, and know that their understanding. Possibly have students not stress out so much about school work, that they will do well.
I think both styles are equally important. Their aims, though different, are to create a better educational experience. The peer exercises are more easily accessible, making this style a better option for most situations.
I think that minimalist tutoring is a good idea for a student who already has some knowledge on the subject they are being tutored on. This way, they can take the information that they already understand and use it to "fill in the gaps" with the tutor for complete, or better, understanding of the topic. I would not think that this would be a very good approach for someone who is really struggling, seeing as they might need extra support and more "instruction" type help instead of just a little extra help.
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