Tutorials and Seminars

Seminars and tutorials A method for small group teaching It is usual for students to be given work

to do in advance of the tutorial May involve reading a particular case or

a section of a textbook, make notes or answering a particular questions

Provide students with greater opportunity to explore certain issue in depth, ask questions or offer opinions

Unlike lectures, it may involve 2 ways communication where group participation is required

Provides opportunity to voice out opinions and thoughts

Participation Many students are reluctant to

participate in seminar discussion Many excuses given The more effort you put into seminar

and tutorial in terms of participation, the more value you will derive from attendance

Excuses like… I’m not confident that I know the right

answer I don’t understand the question so how

can I give an answer I don’t like speaking out in front of

others in the group I’ve got a question but I don’t want to

ask it in case I look stupid

There are some talkative people in my

group and I’m not sure how to involve myself in the discussion

Issue on self-confidence

Tips for making the most of seminars and tutorials Find out what is expected from you by way

of preparation and do it to the best of your ability. Trial and error.

Take the materials that you need with you (textbooks, questions, answers)

Try to participate in the discussion, answer questions

Do not be discouraged if the lecturer appears to disagree with your contribution to the discussion

Working with others Ability to interact with others is

important for success in a long run Develop communication and other

interpersonal skills as it is essential recipe for success in legal career

Ability to work with others could be viewed as a study skill, make it easy to understand difficult subjects

Lecturers Not the same relationship as in teacher

in schools Lecturers view students as adults who

are attending university by choice Relationship is on equal basis Students are subject to rules of the

institution

Form of address As a form of Respect your teacher If they have special title, e.g. Professor,

Associate Professor, Dr., Tan Sri etc., please address them as such, unless they do not prefer the formality

Otherwise, you may address them as Mr., Madam, Sir, Miss etc.

Email etiquette Your email to your lecturer should be

constructed in a more formal manner Start with:

Salutation Identify yourself Use clear and concise language Be polite End with your name

Office hours Make use of the office hours to see your

lecturers They do allocate time for student

consultation Make early appointments Respect lecturers time

Students It is likely that students need to work

collaboratively with other students at some point of time during your studies

Compulsory group work Debate, mooting, presentations

Study groups To strengthen performance