Blog 8: Writing Center Checklist

This checklist is to be used by writing coaches immediately following sessions. This is an aid for coaches to use to help them reflect on and improve their coaching.

Writer: Coach:

Date:

Assignment:

Beginning of session:

· At the start of session, I used “getting to know you” talk to engage the writer.

________Agree ____________Disagree

· The writer and I discussed the specifics of the assignment.

________Agree ____________Disagree

· The writer (and coach, if necessary) set goals for the session.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, they were to _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

During the session:

· I encouraged use of strategies appropriate for goals.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, they were __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· I used appropriate body language to convey genuine interest in writer’s statements and work.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, two examples would be: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· I listened and responded appropriately to writer’s statements.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, an example of this would be:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· I tried to keep the session writer-centered.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, a method I used was:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

· I asked questions to encourage the writer to deepen, expand, clarify, or otherwise develop a perspective.

________Agree ____________Disagree

If so, an example of this would be:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Closing the session:

· The writer was able to explain whether or not he/she believed the goals of the session were met.

________Agree ____________Disagree

• If the writer thought goals were met, he/she was able to state the goals and the process by which they were met.

________Agree ____________Disagree

· The writer was able to explain the steps they will take as they continue to work on the assignment.

________Agree ____________Disagree

· The coach encouraged the writer to set up an appointment for a “follow-up” session.

________Agree ____________Disagree