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.

etiquette  Your 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