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Learning Theory and Concepts

Tutorial system

Instructional Design and Curriculum Frameworks

The tutorial system is a method of instruction, most closely associated with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, in which a student or small group of students meets regularly with a tutor for close, individualized discussion and critique of the student's own written or prepared work, rather than relying primarily on large lectures. The format typically requires students to produce an essay or problem set in advance of each session, which is then closely examined and debated in the tutorial itself, placing heavy responsibility on the student for independent study between meetings. The system is credited with producing rigorous, personalized academic mentorship, though its resource-intensive, low-ratio format has limited its wide adoption outside a small number of elite institutions. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Facts
Core Claim
The tutorial system is a method of university education where the main teaching method is regular, very small group sessions. 2
Classification
Education Level
Bachelor or Equivalent (ISCED 6) 1
FAQs

What is the difference between a tutorial at Oxford and a supervision at Cambridge?

Only the name differs: Oxford says tutorial and Cambridge says supervision for the same small group teaching.

There is no difference in method. The same weekly small group teaching is called a tutorial at Oxford and a supervision at Cambridge. Undergraduates are taught by college fellows, or sometimes doctoral students and post-docs, in groups of one to three. Students do preparatory work for each session, such as reading, essays or working through problems, depending on the subject. Lectures, practicals and language classes are offered as well, but they come in addition to the compulsory tutorials.
Connections

Long-Form Articles

Sources
1. Tutorial system (Wikipedia)
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The tutorial system is a method of university education where the main teaching method is regular, very small group sessions.
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2. Tutorial system (Wikipedia)
Lead section
Quote, Lead section
The tutorial system is a method of university education where the main teaching method is regular, very small group sessions.
View the Source
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