Tutorial system

The tutorial system is a special way of teaching at universities. In this system, students meet in very small groups for regular lessons. These small group meetings are the main way students learn. They are also helped by other classes like big lectures and hands-on activities.

This way of teaching is most famous at two old universities: Oxford and Cambridge. Some other universities also use parts of this system in their teaching. It helps students learn deeply by discussing and thinking together in a close group.

Oxbridge

Main article: Oxbridge

The Oxbridge tutorial system started in the 1800s at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and is still used today. In this system, students meet with teachers, often college fellows or sometimes post-docs, in very small groups of one to three people each week. These meetings are called “tutorials” at Oxford and “supervisions” at Cambridge, and they are the main way students learn at these universities. Before each meeting, students prepare by reading, writing, or solving problems about their subject.

In these small group sessions, students talk with their teacher and classmates, sharing ideas and asking questions. This way of learning helps students think deeply and understand topics better. Other classes like lectures and practical sessions are also offered, but the small group tutorials are the most important part of teaching at Oxbridge.

Outside Oxbridge

Besides the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, some other universities also use a version of the tutorial system. These tutorials are not as intense or important to their courses.

For example, the University of Buckingham, England's first private university, holds weekly tutorials in groups of six students.

Universities outside the United Kingdom also have tutorial systems inspired by the Oxbridge model. These include Omega Graduate School in Dayton, Tennessee, Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York, New College of Florida in Sarasota, Florida, and Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada. In France, students in Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles have weekly oral exams in small groups. In the Netherlands, Maastricht University uses student-led tutorials focused on problem-solving.

Some universities use the term "tutorial" for extra teaching sessions or support meetings. These are additional to their main courses and are not the central part of them.