Tutorials

Students have had questions regarding what a tutorial should look like.  A tutorial is a discussion-based learning community, usually led by a tutor.  The tutor, or in our case, tutors, will be tasked with presenting a body of information to the discussion group and then leading a discussion on the topic at hand.  The purpose of a tutorial is to further learning and thinking on a particular topic/subject.

Tutorials are an integral part of post-secondary education and often comprise a hefty portion of course marks.  We have to remember that everyone learns in different ways.  Allowing for Accountable Talk means that students are given an opportunity to develop their thinking and learning in a way other than the traditional, lecture-style of teaching.

Students can explore some of the features of tutorial discussions using various websites.  The University of New South Wales in Australia has useful information posted on their website.  Another useful resource is this handout that I found online for a World Politics course offered somewhere within the York District School Board.

In the YouTube clip, the Socratic Seminar is defined and explored.  The Socratic Discussion is what our tutorial are modeled after but ours are mini versions.  This is our first time trying out this type of discussion.  The goal is to move towards Socratic Discussion.  For now, experts should present some basic information  on their research topic and then lead the class in discussion based on the open-questions they pose to their peers.  These questions should allow students in the class to express and support their opinions and respond to those opinions shared by others.  Through this kind of Accountable Talk learning will occur.

Remember to focus on big ideas and the most important facts.  Your time is limited so sticking to what matters, especially sticking to what you think is most relevant to Shakespeare's writing, is essential.

Good luck!