Dissertation
Understanding Peer Writing Tutors' Sense of Self and Sense of Job for Improved Tutor Training: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
05/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006548
Abstract
This study aims to uncover reasons for disconnects between training and job practices in a peer tutoring writing center by investigating peer tutors understanding of themselves in the role of peer tutor. This project—deemed a program evaluation—began with tutorial observations among peer tutors in an undergraduate writing center and an accompanying observational survey; the writing center staff then participated in focus group meetings to discuss the results of the observation survey. Using critical discourse analysis approaches and theories, namely Gee’s (2014) theory of Conversations and Harré and Van Langenhove’s (1999) theory of positioning, the author analyzed transcripts of those focus group conversations. Noteworthy findings include patterns of self-positioning that complicate the already tenuous dynamic of both student and tutor; patterns of positioning of faculty as simultaneously powerful, dangerous, and ultimate authorities in any given tutorial; and regular references to and use of Conversation stances to explain and justify positioning. Based on this study, tutor training in this writing center will acknowledge and honor nuances, conflicts, and pressures experienced by peer tutors and approach critical tutoring practices with attention to the complex identities they embody.
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Details
- Title
- Understanding Peer Writing Tutors' Sense of Self and Sense of Job for Improved Tutor Training
- Creators
- Brooklyn Walter
- Contributors
- Ashley Boyd (Chair)Johanna Phelps (Committee Member) - Washington State University, English, Department ofJohn Lupinacci (Committee Member)Michelle Miley (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- English, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 143
- Identifiers
- 99901121438301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation