3.1 What happens at tutorials?

Here are some of the things that may happen at tutorials. The balance will depend on your subject, how far through the module you are, and, of course, the tutor.

• Discussion about the module material with opportunities to ask questions
• Activities designed to enhance your understanding of the material
• Working on problems or having discussions in small groups
• Help and guidance on how to approach assessment
• Learning points from the last assessment
• Introduction of different approaches to the module material to help you make links and develop your grasp of the subject as a whole
• …and usually the chance to chat informally with other students and tutors

If you have a particular concern about how things will work at a tutorial, then do contact your tutor beforehand – they should be able to reassure you.

Hear more from students and tutors about why you should attend tutorials.

Download this video clip.Video player: s4_3_1_tutorials.mp4

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Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

OLA FADOJU

A learning event is essentially tutorials that could be delivered face to face or online.

SIMON BALL

Where we examine trickier topics or details of assignments in closer attention, allowing for space for questions and contributions from the learners.

ELENA SANCHEZ-HERAS

They make you think what is important about everything that you'll be learning.

JACQUI ROSS

You might not be clear about how to approach the task. Well, the tutorials can help you sort out which approach to take. And I always found going to those tutorials before TMAs really invaluable.

MARIANNE SHARLOTTE

When you’re studying at home, you might feel isolated, but you're not on your own. And you can talk through the work that you’re doing and what you're learning with other people who are going through the same thing.

GARETH JONES

Tutorials are a great opportunity to meet fellow students. I’ve now got friends who I’ve met at both online and face-to-face tutorials who I consider to be lifelong friends.

SIMON BALL

They really are key to success.

GARETH JONES

Booking tutorials is really easy at the OU. Around the time that your module opens, you’ll have a list of tutorials become available on your module study home page. You can then pick times, dates, and venues that suit yourself.

STEPHANIE DUNNE

If I didn’t ask for the support and if I didn’t have the additional adaptions that the Open University provided for me, I would really be struggling to make any friends or be included in my time at university. Luckily, that's not the case. I'm having such a fantastic time so far. I'm doing so well in my studies. I'm even planning the next stage.

NICHOLA CONNOLLY

Accessibility needs for myself, they have always been met both at face-to-face and online tutorials.

GARETH JONES

Your tutors are there to help you along your way.

JACQUI ROSS

Without exception, they welcomed contact, and the advice and support I received throughout my studies was amazing.

MEL GREEN

It's a great way to build those connections, to feel like you belong to this wonderful institution, and to get to know all the associate lecturers that are there, willing to answer all your questions, and to be there to support you, and give you the advice and guidance that you need.

OLA FADOJU

Attending tutorials means you’re most likely to pass with a higher grade than students who do not attend tutorials.

NICHOLA CONNOLLY

Thank you tutorials. They are invaluable.

OLA FADOJU

Attend as many tutorials as you can.

End transcript

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