WARC NEWS

In response to recent inquiries on how to become a WARC tutor, we would like to inform interested parties that prospective writing tutors MUST take Prof. Nicholas Walmsley’s “Writing to Teach You: Theory and Practice of Composition Pedagogy” (SYS / HUM - 262, taking place on Mondays and Wednesdays 9:25-10:40 this coming spring). This writing-intensive course is designed for advanced student writers who want to deepen their understanding of composition, rhetoric, and grammar, and then bridge the gap from composition to instruction as peer tutors. Topics will include composition theory, grammar and its role in the service of meaning and rhetoric, and revision in both theory and practice. Note that this course fulfills the requirements for Second-Year Seminar as well as Humanities.

Nasiba Nazirova, who recently joined our team of writing tutors after taking the course last year, has a number of positive reflections to share.

1. Has tutoring at the WARC been a rewarding experience so far?

The tutoring at WARC has been a learning experience since you not only teach somebody a particular thing, you also learn from each and every person who is attending WARC sessions. I believe in the potential of students, and I do believe that it's those students who make our work great at the WARC, which brings an experience which I confidently consider rewarding.

2. How did the Theory and Practice of Composition Pedagogy course prepare you for your duties as a WARC writing tutor?

This is the class that not only prepares tutors but also prepares individuals who are developing their unique sides that might have been left unseen and unnoticed for so long. I do realize that as individuals we need to develop our potential, and this course helps us to perform what we have been developing but perhaps not practicing. It is an outstanding course for preparing tutors theoretically and practically.

3. Do you think the Theory and Practice of Composition Pedagogy course was a worthwhile investment of your time and energy?

Frankly, and hopefully I'm not exaggerating, it has been one of the very few courses I learned so many useful things from. And it is hard at times to list what those useful things are since everybody perceives things differently. Thus, developing what is useful really depends on learning habits. I would give my time and energy again to hear the professor deliver their opinion and share their perception (which is never left undiscussed!) and see how many useful examples from real-life experience we can connect with our readings. I feel like my time and energy would be well spent on such a course again.

4. What advice can you offer to students who are considering taking the course?

It’s a wonderful course! I learned a lot about advanced writing, applying reading materials to writing, and being able to listen to people’s thoughts. I think it is a must-take course for those who are interested not only in writing but also in investing in the knowledge that is gained in that course! Moreover, I took advantage of the opportunity to re-examine, re-read, and re-think my writing.