Welcome to the Reading & Writing Center!
The Reading & Writing Center’s mission is to facilitate student success through improved studying, reading and writing skills. Our tutors will assist you in all subjects and disciplines with every aspect of the reading and writing processes. Regardless of your ability level, we can help you improve your reading and writing. View the presentation below and read our Philosophy of Tutoring for more information on our tutors’ qualifications and training.
Tutor Requirements & Training
The tutors are current NOVA students, part-time employees studying at nearby universities or working locally, and community volunteers. All tutors must have a record of academic success, including excellent grades in writing courses. They must also demonstrate advanced understanding of the writing process and superior communication skills. Virtually all applicants come highly recommended by English faculty, yet the interview-and-hiring process is highly selective. Less than half of applicants are offered positions. After being hired, tutors undergo a rigorous training program: attending presentations, textbook reading, small group discussion and observations of experienced tutors. Their training covers non-directive and directive pedagogy, distinguishing between higher-order and lower-order concerns and the unique needs of NOVA’s student populations. They receive instruction for responding to all levels of student writing, from developmental to honors. Once they begin tutoring, they are regularly evaluated and trained through observations, reflective discussions and special training sessions. Writing Center tutors also attend professional conferences such as the International Writing Center Association Conference (IWCA) and the Mid-Atlantic Writing Center Association Conference (MAWCA).
Tutoring is most effective when it is an individualized, collaborative interaction among peers. Voluntary tutoring is ideal, but our tutors also foster positive experiences for students seeking tutoring for extra-credit or as a requirement.
If you wish to require students to receive tutoring, please contact the Reading & Writing Center director to schedule an orientation or class visit so that your students can receive an introduction to the Reading & Writing Center and its services.
Tutoring sessions have better outcomes when students know what to expect. When helping students with writing assignments, the tutors do not write, revise, edit or proofread for students. Rather, they help the students with developing writing, revising, editing and proofreading strategies. Tutors are trained to use both non-directive and directive pedagogies as necessary, depending on each student’s unique needs.
- Non-directive strategies include acting as a “sounding-board” for ideas, providing encouragement and asking clarifying, open and leading questions.
- Directive strategies consist of providing explicit feedback, explaining unfamiliar expectations or conventions, and modeling examples of revision, editing, and proofreading strategies.
General
What is the Reading & Writing Center? Our mission at the Reading & Writing Center is to enable student success through improved reading and writing skills. In other words, we will help you become better academic readers, writers and thinkers, thereby giving you tools you need for academic success. Our trained peer tutors provide one-on-one assistance to writers of all ability levels in all courses and disciplines. We also offer group workshops that combine interactive group tutoring and individualized attention.
Where is the Reading & Writing Center located?
We are located in Godwin (CG) 409, directly above the library.
Who can use the Reading & Writing Center?
Students enrolled in classes at the Annandale Campus or online.
Who works at the Reading & Writing Center?
The Reading & Writing Center is supervised by the Academic Support Services Coordinator, Sarah Bogdewiecz. Trained peer tutors from George Mason University and NOVA provide one-on-one tutoring, online tutoring and group workshops.
Do I have to pay to use the Reading & Writing Center?
No. All of the Reading & Writing Center’s services are free to enrolled students.
Tutoring
What is tutoring? Tutoring is one-on-one, individualized assistance. It is interactive and collaborative. The more you participate, the more you will benefit. What happens in a tutoring session? First, you and your tutor set an agenda for what you want to work on during your session. The agenda can be brainstorming for a paper topic, working on a thesis, re-organizing the body of an essay, revising based on an instructor’s feedback, working on grammar, or any other aspect of the writing process. After agreeing on an agenda, you and the tutor will read the paper together. You will then work on the agenda, discussing and brainstorming possible improvements to your writing. In some cases, tutors may ask you to practice some skills. Tutorials are always interactive and collaborative. What should I bring to the tutorial? Your assignment sheet is essential. Your syllabus, class notes and textbook can also be helpful. How do I make an appointment? While NOVA works during the COVID-19 outbreak, all tutoring appointments will be conducted virtually (online) using Zoom, the video conferencing with real-time messaging and content sharing program accessible through students' MyNOVA portal. Students can visit Nova's Online Tutoring Webpage and click on the Request Online Services button to schedule an appointment with a tutor themselves. There are multiple ways to make an appointment: 1) Drop by CG-409 to speak with someone working at the Reading & Writing Center. 2) Call 703.323.3341 and speak with someone working at the Center or leave a voicemail. 3) During NOVA’s time of remote learning, students can also request an appointment directly through the Reading & Writing center by completing the online Appointment Request Form. Be sure to complete all the required fields:- First and Last Name
- EMPLID #
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Day/Time you want the appointment
- Any other pertinent information
