1. Collaborative Groups and Tutorials
Reasons for students to do tutorials and an activity that can aid in preparing for the tutorial process.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. How you can implement tutorials in your own classroom

8. 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.

9. Step 2
On day of tutorial, put students into groups of 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Sample Lesson to get students to practice working collaboratively

13. 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!

14. 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.

15. 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

16. The Illegal Words Circle Star Line Box Straight Diamond Left Tube
Rectangle
Triangle
Pencil
Pen
Paper Up
Down
Right
Square

17. First Shape

18. Second Shape

19. Third Shape

20. Fourth Shape

21. Fifth Shape

22. Sixth Shape

23. 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

24. 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?