Collaboration, Control and the Idea of a Writing Center

Andrea Lunsford’s Collaboration, Control and the Idea of a Writing Center, is a short essay that contrasts three different theoretical approaches of writing center operation; the authors previously preferred Storehouse Center, The Garett Center and the authors now favorite, text supported- Burkean Parlor. The focus of the text in each model is on the concept of collaboration and the balance of control that exists within each.
In the Storehouse Center the writing center is seen as an “information station”. Knowledge is viewed as external and accessible. The focus is on the individual and getting them the help and resources that they need. Collaboration isn’t particularly championed. Control is in the hands of the tutor.
An “Individual Genius” ideology governs the Garret Model. The center here has a focus in extracting knowledge from the individual rather then supplying information and resources. Just like in the storehouse model, collaboration isn’t prioritized. Control though seems to be in the hands of the student.
The text favorite-research supported Burkean Parlor is a strong supporter of collaboration which in this case integrates and embraces diversity. Knowledge is seen as socially constructed; individuals in a group exchange knowledge and engage one another. Research outlines many advantages to the collaboration that takes place in this conceptual model. Control lies with “the negotiated group”. The problem though is that this model of writing center defies the American ideology of individualism. It is also a challenge to the status quo of higher education.