Disciplinary expertise, writing centers, and STEM writers

Abstract

Many writing centers have been organized around the idea that a writing tutor need not have experience or expertise in the writer’s disciplinary area of focus. However, theoretical and empirical research has suggested that disciplinary expertise is a valuable asset that tutors can bring into tutorial sessions. This chapter thus advocates for both valuing and better understanding the roles that varied kinds of expertise play in supporting STEM writers in the writing center, and it offers a vocabulary for discussing disciplinary expertise in this context. By accepting and understanding the value of disciplinary expertise in supporting STEM writers, writing center directors and staff can better serve those writers. By understanding the missions and limits of writing centers, STEM instructors and writers can make the best use of the valuable resources writing centers can offer them.