The Right Time and Proper Measure: Assessing In Writing Centers and James Kinneavy's "Kairos: A Neglected Concept in Classical Rhetoric."
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Date
2013
Authors
Scott, Marc
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In my experience working with tutors and college
student writers over the last nine years, I am frequently
reminded how important kairos is to my work. For
example, a tutoring approach that might help Renee
with her annotated bibliography draft won’t
necessarily help Kevin understand his research essay
prompt. The difference lies not in the fact that they
are writing different essays; rather, each writer presents
a different rhetorical situation with unique audiences,
circumstances, exigencies, and contexts. Even if both
students were writing the exact same essay on the
exact same topic, their experience, confidence, and
attitude toward writing would present different
opportunities in a tutoring session. Although patterns
exist and I begin and close a session in routine ways, I
am frequently reminded by crossed arms, furrowed
brows, and deep sighs that a tutoring approach
ignoring kairos results in little learning and growth for
the student as a writer and me as a tutor. The
relevance of the term to writing center work can also
be witnessed in an administrative sense. For example,
interrupting a session to suggest a different approach
for a tutor might be helpful; however, I may be more
persuasive if I more carefully choose a time to provide
feedback on a consultation.