Response to Stephen M. North's "The Idea of a Writing Center"

Although I respect North's passionate attempt to refute the views of Writing Centers as remedial or "fix-it" centers, there were certain points in his essay that seem a little too polarized. For example, I agree that Writing Centers exist first and foremost to talk to writers about their work, but should those seeking help with more specific skills (such as spelling or punctuation, as North mentions) really be turned away? While helping students with more basic aspects of writing is not a Center's primary role, there are few other resources for students with these issues. Still, I know it would be frustrating if professors only referred students to the Center when "special problems" are identified, as North seems to have experienced prior to his essay. The key issue is the perceived purpose of Writing Centers, and I agree with his attempt to correct that image. However, I don't think refusing to assist students with these more basic issues is the best solution. Writing Centers should, in my opinion, help writers with all aspects of the writing process. If a student comes in willingly and wants to learn more about spelling, punctuation, or whatever else, I see nothing wrong with tutoring him or her in the Center.

For further clarification, I fully agree that students should not (and hopefully cannot) simply drop off their papers and expect tutors to serve as editors. However, if a student comes to the Writing Center hoping to actually learn how to identify and correct their mistakes themselves, I think that is perfectly acceptable.