Introduction to
Tutorial Encounters
Learning how to plan, prepare, and manage the tutorial experience
Introduction
Tutorial encounters have long been an important element of the student development process in many educational systems. However, in some cultures, individual or group tutorials are not typically prioritised in the formal learning style context.
Therefore, apart from the issue of language, such events can initially be experienced as somewhat uncomfortable encounters, especially where the purpose, process, and student expectations are unclear. In addition, this can become a further challenge given that educators expect active participation that requires significant planning.
Consequently, this course will guide students through the key stages of the preparation for the tutorial encounter to ensure that this important educational approach is experienced as a meaningful, positive, and comfortable learning experience. The five themes covered on this course are:
Investigating the purpose and process of the tutorial experience
Analysing and assessing the tutorial topic
Planning and managing the tutorial encounter as an active, participative learning approach
Anticipating and developing appropriate interactive questions and critical comments
Learning how to take notes and critically evaluate tutorial encounters
The Course Aim
To develop an understanding of the importance of the tutorial encounter in an international learning context
The Course Objective
By the end of this course, students should be able to plan, prepare, and manage the tutorial learning experience to enable active participation throughout the process
The Key Learning Outcomes
The primary learning outcomes focus on an ability to do the following:
State the importance of the tutorial experience as an essential teaching method and learning style
Explain the purpose of tutorials as active rather than passive learning encounters
Analyse the connections between tutorials and the successful completion of assigned tasks
Research, plan, and prepare for participation during tutorials
Investigate strategies to actively participate during tutorials, make constructive contributions and make effective notes
Apply a post-tutorial evaluation of the experience to successful assignment completion
See also:
Academic Expectations to learn how to adapt to contrasting cross-cultural learning expectations
Academic Style to learn how to improve the challenge of communicating in an academic style
Critical Thinking to learn how to apply critical thinking and reading skills in an academic context
Project Planning to learn how to develop project planning and assignment management skills