Collaborative Groups and Tutorials
Reasons for students to do
tutorials and an activity that can
aid in preparing for the tutorial
process.
Tutorials
One of the most important part of the AVID
program is tutorials which takes place twice a
week. Tutors from the college facilitates the
tutorials. Students are required to fill out a
tutorial request form in which they write down
two questions about a topic they are confused
about. During the tutorial, each student takes
turn presenting their question while their peers
ask them question and try to help them find the
answer.
Collaboration in Tutorial Groups
In collaborative groups, the tutor acts as a facilitator,
a coach, carefully guiding students in their learning
and in their questioning of each other. The
effectiveness of collaborative tutorial groups
requires expertise on the part of tutors and comfort
and participation of the students. Tutors must:
1. encourage group members to share
their ideas,
2. encourage group members to explore
and respect the ideas of others, and
3. encourage group members to probe
ideas until they are precise and clear to
Benefits of Collaborative Groups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
promote student learning and academic
achievement
increase student retention
enhance student satisfaction with their learning
experience
help students develop skills in oral communication
develop students' social skills
promote student self-esteem
help to promote positive race relations
Increase Student Retention
•
Collaboration Increases Student Retention
•
STUDENTS REMEMBER:
10% of what they READ
20% of what they HEAR
30% of what they SEE
50% of what they SEE, HEAR, and SAY
70% of what they DISCUSS
90% of what they SAY as they DO a thing
•
•
•
•
•
•
Collaborative groups work best when:

tutor models skillful questioning that allows students to
gain understanding
 students use writing as a tool for learning
 students bring specific problems and questions to the
session accompanied with related notes and materials
 tutors encourage an atmosphere that is safe for
questioning and responding, no question is a dumb
question
 tutors elicit responses from every member of the group
 tutors ensure that all students understand the material
discussed
 sessions conclude with an informal writing of what was
learned, covered or accomplished
How you can implement tutorials in your
own classroom
Step 1
After students are done taking notes, have them to
a learning log which answers the following
questions:
1. What I learned:
2. What I found interesting:
3. Two questions I have:
Tell them to write a paragraph for the first two
questions. Tell them to use their notes to refresh
their memory.
Step 2
On day of tutorial, put students into groups of
4-6. Tell them to pick a leader to lead the
group. The leader will start off with telling the
group what they learned, found interesting,
and questions they had. As the leader is
speaking the rest of the group takes notes
over what is being said as well as try to help
the leader answer the questions he/she has.
Step 3
Each member of the group takes turn
describing what they learned, found
interesting, and questions they had. In
order to get points, everyone must present
and take notes.
Step 4
At the end of the tutorial, each student
writes a reflection over the tutorial which
focuses on what they learned or liked
about the tutorial.
Sample Lesson to get
students to practice working
collaboratively
Activity to Practice Tutorial Group
Activity
The draw the shape activity is a great
way to help student get accustomed
to working with a group in a tutorial
setting while having fun!
Draw the Shape Activity
Purpose: Improve students'
vocabulary and communication skills
by having them explain to another
student how to draw shape that the
first student can’t see.
Instructions for Draw the Shape Activity

Get into groups of 3 (talker, drawer and beeper)
 Talker will describe how to draw the shape without using
the "illegal" words
 Drawer will try to draw the shape as described in the
correct proportions
 Beeper will make a beeping noise when an "illegal" word
is used and keep track of the number of times they beep
 Talker must sit on your hands
 You get 5 minutes to draw
 Decide which group has the best representation of the
shape with the least amount of beeps
 Rotate members of each group to each person has a
chance to draw, talk and beep
The Illegal Words

Circle
 Star
 Line
 Box
 Straight
 Diamond
 Left
 Tube

Rectangle
 Triangle
 Pencil
 Pen
 Paper
 Up
 Down
 Right
 Square
First Shape
Second Shape
Third Shape
Fourth Shape
Fifth Shape
Sixth Shape
Student Reflection Questions
What did you learn about yourself while
participating in this activity? Explain
What do you think the purpose of this
activity was? Explain
Follow Up Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What did you learn or find interesting?
How can you apply this knowledge or
information to your own classroom or lessons?
Did you find this information useful or
relevant?
What specific information stood out for you?
Please explain.
Do you have any follow up questions or
comments?