Revised from Albright College with permission / Delta College Spring 2017
WRIT Center: Observation Form for Peer Consultant Trainees
New Tutor ____________________ Tutor being observed: ___________________ Date ________________
Use this form to make observations of at least 2 or 3 sessions with at least 2 different experienced tutors. This is
not an evaluation of the tutor, rather an opportunity to see parts of a session in action, note what seemed
important, and to discuss the session together. Write down your observations of different ways tutors
accomplish practices from the checklist, training manual, and Bedford guide.
Best practices and procedures Observations/comments
Opening procedures:
Reviews appointment system ahead of time,
greets student and introduces self
Asks for assignment sheet (if relevant) and
discusses student’s understanding of it
Asks for student’s goals for the session /skims
paper and/or uses own best judgment to help
establish goals
Alerts student to time frame and establishes an
agenda for session in consultation with student
Effective ongoing practices:
Uses strategy appropriate for the goals: Ex:
Asks student to read aloud (if there is a draft)/ or
has student summarize/ or focuses in on certain
parts / etc.
Encourages student to write revisions on essay
or to take notes during brainstorming/session
Recognizes importance of higher order
concerns
Frequently asks student open-ended questions
to develop content and revise
Appears engaged through body language,
attentiveness and eye contact
Responds to and incorporates student’s
comments into discussion and
brainstorming/revision
Addresses and demonstrates strategies for
student to use independently; checks for
understanding
Uses handbooks, handouts, web sources, or
other resources when it would be helpful
Maintains positive tone, body language, pacing
Session recognized strengths of the writing
Closing procedures:
Keeps track of time and signals the end of the
session in a polite manner
Verbally fills out WRIT form, asking student to
summarize topics of discussion and action items
for revision. Informs the student how they will
receive a copy.
Asks student if there are any questions and
indicates next steps student should take at home
including offering follow-up appointment
Offers WRIT Exit Survey
Thanks student for coming; offers a friendly
closing comment
QUESTIONS / RESPONSES
Observer, what questions do you have for the tutor
Tutor’s responses / notes about discussion
you observed? What do you wonder about the tutor’s
decision making or approaches during the session?
Do you have any what “What if….” questions?
_______________Date/time the tutor observing and tutor holding the session discussed the session, including the above
questions. (You may need to discuss it at a later shift so the observation/discussion isn’t rushed).
NOTE: Return this form to Claire Van Til, WRIT Center Coordinator, when finished.
