Tutorials are not a new concept, as the tutorial system was established by the top two universities in the UK around the 1800s. The system’s founders were the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, which many people in the UK call Oxbridge.
Today, the tutorial system is not exclusive to these two universities. However, the implementation in other universities is partial and involves larger groups, compared to Oxbridge, which conducts tutorials in groups of two or three. A few select universities in the United States have adopted the system but to varying degrees. Likewise, you can find tutorial colleges in France and Canada.
Definition of the tutorial system
As used in Oxford and Cambridge, the tutorial system is a university education method where the primary way is to provide personalised teaching through small group sessions. The teaching sessions have additional lectures and assessments in larger classes.
The system involves weekly meetings of the students in a group with their tutor. They have in-depth talks about their opinions and ideas about their problem or reading for the week. The tutor also acts as the adviser of the students under their care.
Understanding the tutorial system
The tutorial system is one of the world’s most academically specific and intensive teaching tools. This teaching model aims to help the student get more out of their learning experience. Moreover, it aims to advance the student’s knowledge as much as possible.
While some colleges and universities employ the tutorial system in larger groups, select educational institutions like the Oxford Tutorial College assigns a tutor to a small group of two or three students. The tutor leads the discussion-based group, whose members are enrolled in a specific course. The setting is less formal and structured to specific activities that allow students to explore ideas, raise topics, and ask questions. The interaction level is higher than the standard lectures given by other universities.
What to expect from a tutorial system
If you are used to lecture-type teaching, it would surprise you that tutorials do not involve giving information and noting what the lecturers deliver. Instead, the structure of a tutorial revolves around a specific discipline. For example, if you are taking history, all your tutorial activities will focus on that subject.
You can expect to have several group discussions on the core course topics. Or you might have to read specific course materials. You must deliver oral presentations after a group discussion in a tutorial system. Sometimes, you will work on activities or exercises like solving prepared questions or doing a weekly case study.
You will receive course marks for participation; thus, you must attend oral presentations. Oral presentations are part of your assessment. Even if you are not the one presenting, it is important to read the assigned material and listen actively to the presentation so you can ask questions and participate in the discussion later.
A university tutorial is an adaptive learning system focusing solely on your course.
You will work independently, which allows you to build self-reliance, confidence, and independent thinking as the tutor challenges you to justify your ideas. You learn to study in-depth, explore various ideas, and train your brain to work more.
