This
list illustrates the usefulness of tutorials. They are an important
mechanism for students to increase their proficiency with course
material in an environment where assistance is readily available.
Types
of tutorials
The tutorial may be conducted using a variety of different presentation
formats that typically reflect the specific purpose of the tutorial.
Some styles of tutorial and their purpose are:
| Problem
Solving |
To
do examples and exercises that reinforce techniques
and principles |
| Discussion
Groups |
To
explore issues by guided interaction through class
discussion |
| Mini-Lecture
|
To
expand material covered in lectures and to provide
additional content |
| Project
Work |
To
allow students access to supervision in the preparation
of a project |
| Open
Format |
To
address student queries as a result of lectures and
private study |
|
|
Although
each type of tutorial is likely to be used in all courses,
Problem Solving format is most commonly used in Science
and Technology courses whilst Discussion Groups are associated
with Arts and Humanities courses.
|
 |
The
Mini-Lecture is probably not a real tutorial and often reflects
an administrative need to use tutorial sessions to supplement
lecture time lost during the course. Treat it like a lecture!
Project
Work and Open Format tutorials tend to use a consultative approach
whereby a tutor will be available during tutorial times to respond
to specific student problems (eg. Preparing Group Presentations,
Project Work). In this style of tutorial it is left up to each
individual student to take responsibility for his or her own
learning needs. So what are the roles of tutorial participants?
