Pedagogy+and+Theory

Pedagogy

**Basics**
Like any field, Writing Centers have pedagogies, or a set of teaching theories we often use as a basis for our work. These are just theories, ways of explaining what we do; you need not subscribe to any one particular theory, and you need not agree with all (or any!) of them. All of them have their pro’s and con’s, and you’ll sometimes find that some Writing Center and Composition theorists tend to point out more problems than solutions! This section is simply meant to give you some background for thinking about how Writing Centers operate.

**HOCs vs LOCs**
One thing you’ll hear many times in a Writing Center is “HOCs before LOCs.” These acronyms stand for “**H**igher **O**rder **C**oncerns” and “**L**ower **O**rder **C**oncerns.” The difference is simple: HOCs are global issues, or issues that affect how a reader understands the entire paper; LOCs are issues that don’t //necessarily// interrupt understanding of the writing by themselves.

**Higher Order Concerns**
Focus, organization, audience awareness, development of ideas

**Lower Order Concerns**
Grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure

You may find yourself thinking, “Well, it depends,” or, “But what if…?” You’re absolutely right to think so. These lists are just guidelines; every writer will have a different hierarchy of concerns. Always try to think in terms of, “Does this affect my understanding of the writing?”

No, not necessarily. HOCs tend to interrupt a reader’s understanding of the writing, and that’s why they need to be addressed first. However, if a LOC becomes a major obstacle, then it naturally becomes a higher priority.
 * Are HOCs more important than LOCs?**

Here are some other issues you might face. These may be more difficult to categorize, and they may largely depend on the writing.

Evaluating sources, citation method, style, paragraph structure, format, active vs. passive voice A writer comes to you and says, “I’d like you to check my grammar.” Keeping in mind the “HOCs before LOCs” policy, and also remembering that the Writing Center is writer-centered, what should you do?
 * Something to Think About… **