Establishing a Writing Center : Initial Findings

Abstract

This article examines how the newly established Writing Center at Osaka Jogakuin College has been utilized during the spring semester of 2004. The data includes Writing Center session data, a survey given to all students, and student interviews. The findings indicate that the Writing Center is well used, with many students returning for help with writing. While the survey results indicate students' concerns with logistical matters, such as length of sessions, hours of operation, the data on the sessions and interviews highlight the fact that there are misunderstandings about the purpose of a writing center. While students are having questions answered about writing and taking advantage of the availability of a native speaker, they are also assuming that the tutor will be a proof reader. Students are also having difficulty with organizing their essays, but they may have problems communicating this to the tutors.