Compiled by Assoc Prof Dr Santhi Raghavan
We should understand that we conduct tutorials, not lectures. Tutorials are meant for learners to discuss problems that they face. Usually, I will tell my students what topics to cover before a tutorial and give them questions to discuss. I do not want to spoonfeed students like in a conventional university. I advise my students to do their assignments as though they are doing their thesis. They need to follow the stipulated format and cite references using the APA system. I will tell students during the fi rst tutorial about my style of teaching so that they will get used to it.
Abdul Hamid Tan IP Teknik, Kuala Lumpur
I conduct my tutorials by relating and linking them to what happens in the real world. Often, I put forward situations and ask students how to handle them. Once, we were discussing about students sleeping in class. A learner, who was a discipline teacher in his school, told me that he would allow his students to sleep if they had fi nished their work. I asked the learners how they would feel if that was done to their own children. There was pin-drop silence. I said if there were interesting activities, nobody would ever sleep. I believe in sharing views, ideas and creating awareness. Ultimately, more learning will take place.
Anna Mary Perumal Sibu
To motivate adult learners, a tutor must make tutorials meaningful and relevant for them. Before I start a tutorial, I usually try to get an idea of the students' profi le, especially about their jobs. Then, I will try to convince them that the course will be useful for them. I try to build my credibility and their confi dence in me by delivering the tutorial effectively. Once tutors have built their credibility, it will be much easier to sustain students' attention and interest in tutorials.
Dr Chai Bui Khiun Kuching
Be cheerful when you step into class and greet learners. Start a tutorial by outlining the learning objectives so that they know what are expected of them. Simplify concepts by providing examples from daily life. Translate concepts into graphics as a picture speaks a thousand words. Present ideas in humorous ways to capture their attention. Provide an avenue for questions and opinions. Acknowledge their contributions to encourage them to participate further.
Wong Shin Voon Johnathan Section 7, Shah Alam
I have teaching experience of more than seven years in distance learning. I practise the CARES concept as a learning motivator tool. CARES stands for the following: CARING - Take care of students during their learning period. APPLY - Apply current issues or case studies to match concepts so that they are easy to understand. RESPONSIBILITY - Be responsible by responding quickly to any problems students face. EMPATHY - Understand and share students' problems. SYSTEMATIC - Teach, help and share systematically, following proper rules and procedures.
Zulhairi Zakariah Melaka