Writing Center Tutors to Attend National Conference; Peer Tutor Receives Scholarship
Contact: Harvey Kail at 581-3829 or 581-3828;
Joe Carr at 581-3571
ORONO — From October 19-22, representatives from the University of Maine
Writing Center will attend an annual conference hosted by the
International Writing Center Association and the National Conference on
Peer Tutoring in Writing in Minneapolis, Minn. While there, the contingent
will host a workshop entitled “Sex and the Writing Center: Exploring
Gender Dynamics in Tutorials.” The group, composed of Prof. Harvey Kail,
and students Emily Morrissette, Michael King, Christie Nold and Ernest
Scheyder, will present findings from an informal study conducted at at the
writing center this semester. The study analyzed ways in which both tutors
and tutees perceive and react to gender differences while engaged in peer
tutorials. The workshop will be divided into two segments: A presentation
on findings, and small-group sessions to discuss effective methods to
address the role gender plays in tutorial sessions.
“The UMaine peer writing tutors are putting together a first rate
interactive workshop on gender dynamics in writing tutorials, and we have
been given a prime place on the conference program,” said Kail, professor
of English. “It will put the spotlight on the University of Maine as a
leader in writing center theory and practice.”
Scheyder, who is from Berwick, Me., was recently honored by the conference
organizers with a scholarship to offset travel costs. It was one of five
given nationwide.
“I am honored to have been chosen by the selection committee and look
forward to representing the University of Maine in Minneapolis,” Scheyder
said. “Writing is important, and it is encouraging to see UMaine