What Is a Tutorial?

In universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere, a tutorial is a small-group teaching session that supports the main lectures of a module. A group of around 5 to 20 students meets with a tutor, who may be a lecturer, a graduate teaching assistant or a postdoc, to discuss the material, work through problems and get feedback.

What happens in a tutorial

The format depends on the subject. In the humanities, a tutorial often centers on discussion of readings, with students sharing views and the tutor asking questions. In sciences and mathematics, tutorials usually involve working through problem sets, with the tutor explaining methods and common mistakes. In some universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, tutorials may be one-to-one or in very small groups and involve students presenting essays for discussion with a tutor.

Tutorials also give you a chance to ask questions that you did not want to ask in a large lecture.

Tutorial versus tutoring

In the US, "tutoring" usually means extra academic help, often from a peer or a learning center, outside regular classes. A UK tutorial is a scheduled part of the module and not remedial help. Some universities also use "tutor" for a personal tutor, who is an academic adviser for your wellbeing and progress.

Making the most of tutorials

• Do the preparation set by the tutor.
• Bring questions and examples of where you got stuck.
• Take part, since participation is often part of the learning, and sometimes the mark.
• Take notes on feedback and method.
• Follow up after the session with anything unclear.
• Respect others' time by listening and keeping contributions focused.

Related terms

See lecture, seminar, module, personal tutor and recitation section.