I thought Wingate's views on student utilisation of writing centres was a little two-dimensional. There is a lot more to academic success than whether or not one visits the writing centre. I've had discussions with friends about how sometimes the 'key' to getting a good grade in a class is finding the writing style your professor prefers and whatever side of the issue at hand he/she ascribes to and playing those up to the best of your ability. Perry speaks to this when she discusses students trying to use 'academicspeak' and rephrasing arguments they've already read to sound more intelligent and please their professors. Clearly, these nuances are not and cannot be captured with a tutor at the school's writing centre.
Another thing to consider is the natural ability of students, which I believe we discussed in class. Some people are naturally gifted and don't require the services of their writing centre and they do just fine in their classes. I'm not saying these things to discount the importance of the writing centre, just to express the opinion that they are not a surefire way to achieve success.
Q&A Blog Posts
15 years ago
In reference to your last paragraph, students can visit the writing center, and not receive a good grade on a paper. For example, if the student didn't come prepared with a sufficient first draft, or after visiting the writing center, failed to take the writing consultant's advice or feedback. So in saying that the writing center is not a surefire way to have success, I completely agree.
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