Highline Writing Center

Services Offered

Resources

Other

Consulting Sessions

Appointment or Drop In?  
You can just drop by, but to be sure to get a session, make an appointment ahead of time and make return appointments immediately after sessions. Come to the Writing Center with your paper, assignment sheet, and questions.  Then we'll be ready to get started!

How Does a Consulting Session Work?

•  Sign-up

The desk just inside the Writing Center door has the consulting session schedule. Make an appointment ahead of time using this schedule, or check it over when you come in to see if someone is free.

•  Sign-in

When you come in for your appointment, please sign in on the computer. We use this record to track how many students are using our services on a regular basis.

•  Greetings and Introductions

Consultants who are working wear nametags.  Also front desk assistants or any available consultants are happy to direct you to your consultant.

•  The Purple Sheet: Oh no, Paperwork!

Yes, it's paperwork, but it's not a big deal. We just need to know a little about you, what your assignment is, and what areas you'd like to focus on during your session.

•  The Assignment

If possible, please bring in a copy of your teacher's instructions for the assignment. It helps the consultant understand what you're doing and gives you the opportunity to double-check your understanding of the assignment.

•  Planning the Session: What do you want to accomplish?

The consultant can help you identify priorities, but you decide what's most important to your learning.

•  Read it aloud: Are we kidding?

No really, we're serious. Reading aloud while the consultant listens and reads along is a fast and powerful way to get both the consultant and you to focus on your writing. You'll be amazed at how many changes you'll think of yourself as you hear your own words being read aloud.

•  What is the consultant doing while I'm reading?

While you're reading, your consultant will listen actively and check for these important criteria:

•  Does your paper fit the assignment?
•  Is it focused on a central topic and/or thesis?
•  Is it clearly and effectively worded?
•  Is it well edited for grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
•  Are you using sources appropriately and effectively?
  
   

•  Why doesn't my consultant make corrections and write comments on the paper?

The consultant's job is to help you discover how to make choices about your own writing, so you'll be a better writer after each session. When you make your own changes and take notes on your own paper, you're actively learning how to better your writing.

•  So the consultant talks with me, and I revise and edit my own writing?

That's right! And when you're done, it's your work and not anyone else's. You have used your resources, learned to write better, and improved your own paper. Congratulations!

How do we end the session?

Discuss what you've accomplished, plan your next steps, and sign up for another appointment!  (Don't forget to sign out on the computer.)