Event Title
"Bad at Writing:" How Self-Efficacy Theory Allows Peer Tutors to Foster Confident Writers
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Writing
Mentor Information
Ellen Schendel
Department
Writing
Location
Kirkhof Center 1104
Start Date
11-4-2012 10:00 AM
Keywords
Changing Ideas/Changing Worlds, Creativity/ Innovation
Abstract
Inevitably, writing tutors will at some point work with students who self-identify as lacking confidence in their writing abilities. When a student voices reluctance or opposition to the writing process, the relationship between student and tutor is immediately altered. The tutor is placed in the uncomfortable role of expert rather than peer. Without addressing this shift, the dynamic of a consultation changes, as does a student's response to feedback. One lens through which to examine this difficult situation is that of self-efficacy, one's perception of his or her ability to successfully perform a task. In this presentation, we'll examine what self-efficacy is and how it's determined. We'll also present results of our primary and secondary research on how self-efficacy practices affect a writing consultation. By giving feedback with these strategies in mind, peer tutors can foster self-efficacy in students and create stronger, confident writers.
"Bad at Writing:" How Self-Efficacy Theory Allows Peer Tutors to Foster Confident Writers
Kirkhof Center 1104
Inevitably, writing tutors will at some point work with students who self-identify as lacking confidence in their writing abilities. When a student voices reluctance or opposition to the writing process, the relationship between student and tutor is immediately altered. The tutor is placed in the uncomfortable role of expert rather than peer. Without addressing this shift, the dynamic of a consultation changes, as does a student's response to feedback. One lens through which to examine this difficult situation is that of self-efficacy, one's perception of his or her ability to successfully perform a task. In this presentation, we'll examine what self-efficacy is and how it's determined. We'll also present results of our primary and secondary research on how self-efficacy practices affect a writing consultation. By giving feedback with these strategies in mind, peer tutors can foster self-efficacy in students and create stronger, confident writers.