Interactions at the Writing Center

The Pedagogy of Chairs and Tables

What does the physical space and interior design of a writing center say about its pedagogy? Unlike some writing centers where tutorial sessions take place in cubicle-like spaces, this is not the case at the MSU writing center. When one walks into the main center in Bessey or other satellite locations like the library, tables are spread all over in an open space. The pedagogical value brought about by this interior design is that it allows “extra” interactions not only with the client but with other consultants. This pedagogy asks consultants, though not explicitly, to view fellow consultants as resources/technologies that they can freely and easily seek help from during tutorial sessions. But the open space has some diaffordances, as we discussed in class today. Some clients or consultants might be distracted by the noise or beehive of activities that might be taking place in different tables at a given time. In certain situations, some clients request their consultants to move to a quieter or a private space inside the center. Open space can be seen here as hindering self expression/interactions for some people involved. In an online space, the client and consultant do not worry about noise, but, they don’t benefit from using fellow consultants as resources, at least not in real time.

In a f2f session at the writing center, body language and interpersonal cues like a smile, grin or a frown play important role in an interaction. While online spaces do not allow enough room to engage in such interactions as is the case of f2f, they no doubt happen. Examples include use of smiley face or use of punctuation in a particular ways. In Second Life, if you use capital letters during an IM chat, it is assumed you are shouting.