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: encourage group members to share their ideas, encourage group members to explore and respect the ideas of others, and encourage group members to probe ideas until they are precise and clear to all members of the group.

Benefits of Collaborative Groups 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: What I learned: What I found interesting: 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 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?