VII. Read the text and translate it in order to be able to do the tasks given below. Guide to Tutorials
1. A feature of university learning is that many courses are delivered via a series of lectures and tutorials. To get the most out of lectures and tutorials, you need to be an independent and active learner.
2. Tutorials are small discussion-based groups of students enrolled in a particular course. Each group is led by a tutor. Tutorials usually take place in classrooms and are less formal than lectures. They might be structured around particular activities or be more free-flowing, giving students the opportunity to raise topics, ask questions and explore ideas. Tutorials involve a much higher level of interaction than lectures do. All students are expected to participate.
3. Unlike lectures, tutorials don’t usually involve receiving information and taking notes. For example, a tutorial might be focused around group discussions of key course topics. Sometimes students work on exercises or activities, such as weekly case studies or a set of prepared questions.
4. Talking and listening to other students and the tutor can help to:
• clarify your understanding of what you are learning;
• advance your knowledge and understanding of a topic or issue through discussion;
• try out ideas by talking them through with others;
• hear a range of different perspectives;
• improve your thinking, listening and discussion skills.
5. Attendance of tutorials is obligatory, it is recorded and
marks are given for class participation. Many courses require students to deliver an oral presentation as part of their assessment. Even if you are not presenting, you still need to prepare for the seminar by reading the required material, by listening actively, asking questions, and participating in the discussion.
VIII. Does the following information correspond to the text? Tick the correct variant.
1. Tutorials differ from lectures in many ways.
a) True b) False c) Not stated
2. At the tutorial it’s up to you whether to take part in the discussion or not.
a) True b) False c) Not stated
3. Tutors assess students’ participation at each class.
a) True b) False c) Not stated
4. Discussions and exchange of ideas with other students can be useful.
a) True b) False c) Not stated
5. Oral presentations are given at each tutorial.
a) True b) False c) Not stated
IX. Answer the following questions:
1. What are tutorials?
2. Is it necessary to prepare for the seminar if you are not giving a presentation? If yes, in what way?
3. Do students have to attend tutorials?
4. Do students have to take notes during the tutorial?
5. In what way does a tutorial differ from a lecture?
6. What is the main idea of the text?
a) To show the advantages of tutorials over the lectures
b) To describe various classroom activities
c) To inform on a specific form of university learning
d) To give assessment to university learning
