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Overview of the Tutorial Method

The tutorial method of teaching at Oxford University, which emphasizes individual and small group instruction, has historical roots dating back to the 11th century. It promotes independent learning and critical thinking, and remains a key component of the university's educational framework. The method was notably influenced by Professor Benjamin Jowett in the 19th century and is highlighted in the university's marketing as essential for developing various skills.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
99 views2 pages

Overview of the Tutorial Method

The tutorial method of teaching at Oxford University, which emphasizes individual and small group instruction, has historical roots dating back to the 11th century. It promotes independent learning and critical thinking, and remains a key component of the university's educational framework. The method was notably influenced by Professor Benjamin Jowett in the 19th century and is highlighted in the university's marketing as essential for developing various skills.

Uploaded by

Huy Trần
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Which paragraph: The tutorial method

Read the following passage about the tutorial method of teaching, which is
used in some universities.

A) The tutorial method of teaching, where students are taught individually or in


very small groups of two or three, developed as the collegiate system in Oxford
and Cambridge Universities established itself. Teaching has existed in Oxford
since the 11th century, and the role of tutors was documented in the 15th
century, when Oxford tutors were described as ‘having responsibility for the
conduct and instruction of their younger colleagues’ (Moore, 1968). Thus, the
early role of the tutor was both pastoral as well as academic.

B) One of the foundations of Oxford’s academic excellence is the dialectic of


the individual, discussion-based tutorial which is reputed to have reached its
unique status in the middle of the 19th century. Professor Benjamin Jowett,
classicist and Master of Balliol College, Oxford, is traditionally credited with
having been the guiding influence behind the establishment of the tutorial
system based on the Socratic method. His students said of Jowett, ‘his great
skill consisted, like Socrates, in helping us to learn and think for ourselves’
(Markham, 1967). When Jowett took up the mantle of Vice-Chancellor of
Oxford University in 1882, his teaching method of Socratic dialogue became
established as a ‘pattern for the whole university’ (Markham, 1967).
C) In the last decade, multiple studies have been conducted exploring the
unique learning benefits of the tutorial method. 130 years after it was formally
established as the cornerstone of Oxford education, the tutorial method retains
its prestige and effectiveness. As the present university website states, it is
through the tutorial system that ‘students develop powers of independent and
critical thought, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and skills in both
written and oral communication and argument’.

Which paragraph contains the information in the statements below?


1. The tutorial is still a key part of the Oxford education system.

2. The tutorial method encourages students to learn independently.

3. The tutorial method features in Oxford University marketing.

4. Traditionally, Oxford tutors had more than just an academic role.


Answers:
1. C
still a key part of the Oxford education system = the cornerstone of Oxford
education, the tutorial method retains its prestige and effectiveness

2. B
encourages students to learn independently = helping us to learn and think for
ourselves

3. C
features in Oxford University marketing = As the present university website
states
4. A
Oxford tutors had more than just an academic role = the early role of the tutor
was both pastoral as well as academic

Common questions

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Recent studies have validated the continued use of the tutorial method by confirming its unique learning benefits, such as fostering independent thinking and refining analytical skills, which align with the university's emphasis on critical thought and problem-solving .

The tutorial method developed as the collegiate system at Oxford and Cambridge Universities established itself. This system, documented in the 11th century, evolved with tutors taking on roles that were both pastoral and academic by the 15th century .

Historically, Oxford tutors fulfilled dual roles that were both pastoral and academic. They were responsible for the conduct and instruction of their younger colleagues, emphasizing their holistic involvement in students' development .

The tutorial method plays a key role in Oxford University's current educational marketing as it is highlighted on the university website for its effectiveness in developing critical and analytical skills, thereby enhancing its prestigious educational reputation .

The prestige of the tutorial method at Oxford University can be attributed to its historical establishment in the 19th century by figures like Professor Benjamin Jowett, who implemented a Socratic approach to learning, thus distinguishing the university’s educational model and ensuring its lasting legacy of excellence .

Oxford University students typically develop proficiency in independent and critical thought, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and skills in both written and oral communication and argument through the tutorial system .

Oxford University integrated the tutorial method into its academic structure during the 19th century through the influence of Professor Benjamin Jowett, who implemented the Socratic dialogue approach university-wide when he became Vice-Chancellor, thus institutionalizing it as a core teaching method .

Professor Benjamin Jowett influenced teaching methods at Oxford University by establishing the tutorial system based on the Socratic method. He was credited with using his skills to encourage students to learn and think independently, which became a pattern for the whole university when he became Vice-Chancellor in 1882 .

The tutorial method is considered the cornerstone of Oxford University education because it has retained its prestige and effectiveness over 130 years. Recent studies highlight its unique learning benefits such as fostering independent thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial to Oxford's academic excellence .

The tutorial method promotes skills beyond academic learning by developing powers of independent and critical thought, analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as skills in both written and oral communication and argument .

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