The Ties That Bind

This book analyzes what happens when teachers and students talk to each other in writing environments, such as classroom workshops, office visits, conferences, and tutoring sessions. Presented in both narrative and case study format, this research offers insight into how the stories that teachers tell can deepen meaning-making for students, as well as how the stories students tell teachers and tutors can provide insight into their prior experiences, worries, fears, and motivations. This study sorts the types of stories--and the purposes for storytelling--into clear categories that any educator can find useful. In addition, this book offers suggestions for becoming a deliberate storyteller and tips for spotting and analyzing heard stories more effectively. Although primarily designed for writing teachers and writing center administrators, this text can be meaningful for educators at any level, in any discipline, as they strive to become even more effective teachers.