The aim of this study was to investigate how first-year students view the purpose of tutorial groups in problem-based learning. In all, 147 students from 24 groups participated, providing 399 statements. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed a focus on both learning and social influence. Learning involved the tutorial as…

A series of tutorials was re-designed to further engage students in spiral learning and highlight development of transferable skills. The tutorials focused on self-directed and enquiry-based learning, both of which provided particular challenges to students and staff. The students were randomly allocated a media article related to psychology as a…

Examines the origin and development of the Learning Assistance Center at California State University-Long Beach, which offers classroom support, individualized self-paced instruction, and tutorial services. Provides a rationale for the learning assistance support system and describes programs, services, and management features. (DMM)

The article describes a senior elective in virology developed at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Students work independently through a series of course units, selecting 12 study topics from a catalog of 35 topics in medical virology and discussing their reading daily with the professor. (DB)

In this study of students (N=112) invited to participate in a hematology-transfusion medicine tutorial, it was found that students (N=59) receiving problem-based instruction did more poorly than controls on short-term examination but maintained their knowledge after two years better than control groups. (MLW)

This document presents a collection of papers presenting an array of innovative approaches in higher education and offers papers and case studies of a variety of nontraditional activities. Some of the topics cover closed circuit TV and audio-tutorial instruction in veterinary science and medicine; televised graduate level engineering courses; the…

Los Angeles' International College is a small, private, unaccredited college with 174 students and without classrooms, library or student center. Its chief assets are the intellects and worldwide reputations of many of its tutors who work closely with student apprentices. (LBH)

This report presents results of Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) during the fall 1972 semester in an introductory Biology class at North Country Community College. Fifty-seven students were enrolled in the course at the beginning of the semester. Course content was divided into 20 units of study. A study guide was written for each unit…

Investigates the effects of preservice teachers working in paired-learning conditions versus working independently on a computer-based tutorial/simulation designed to teach users about an electronic-mail system. Findings support previous research on the positive effects of paired learning using computer-based instruction designed for individual…

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is one of Thailand's two official open universities. STOU has no on-campus classes. Instead, it offers self-instructional packages in a distance education format and conducts optional tutorials in local study centers throughout Thailand. STOU's curriculum, which is designed to provide educational…

Described are some of the teaching innovations used in a large university chemistry department in Britain. They include diagnostic testing and individual tutoring; self-instruction centers for remedial teaching, complementary services, and specialist materials; new laboratory approaches; and innovations to develop skills needed by chemistry…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

The choices involved in setting up an open learning system are discussed, and the case for the mixture of interaction and independence is established. Problems involved in effecting the synthesis between activities in which the student works alone and those which bring him into contact with others are detailed. (AF)

A curriculum involving reduced lecture time, small-group tutorials, a commitment to problem-based learning (PBL), and a strong reliance on self-directed study, was implemented at Harvard Medical School in 1985. This study focuses on the attitudes of 14 faculty tutors who had never tutored in a PBL curriculum. (MLW)

A study of 336 staff-led, problem-based tutorial groups in a European university health sciences program found that students who were tutored by subject-matter experts achieved somewhat better and spent more time on self-directed learning. In addition, tutoring skill and content knowledge were important in effective tutoring. (Author/MSE)