2014 Volume 12 Pages 42-87
The purpose of this study is to examine the significance of the practice research through reflecting on and sharing of tutor experiences ("personal tutoring history") for individual tutors and the Writing Center community. Our results suggest that the practice research is significant for individual tutors as a means of: (1) reflecting on their practical knowledge on tutoring, (2) expanding their practical knowledge on tutoring, (3) encouraging the development of their identity as a member of the Writing Center community, and (4) broadening their perspectives of reflecting on their own tutorial practices. Our results also suggest that the practice research is significant for the Writing Center community as a means of:(1) accumulating and passing on the practical knowledge of tutors, (2) building a relationship in which tutors can learn from each other, (3) improving the practice of the community, and (4) examining if the system and the environment of the community of practice supports tutors' learning. These results indicate that practice research is an effective means of cultivating a community of practice where mutual learning occurs.
