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The Tutorial Method

The tutorial method of teaching at Oxford University, which emphasizes individual and small group instruction, has historical roots dating back to the 11th century. It promotes independent learning and critical thinking, and remains a key component of the university's educational framework. The method was notably influenced by Professor Benjamin Jowett in the 19th century and is highlighted in the university's marketing as essential for developing various skills.

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16 views2 pages

The Tutorial Method

The tutorial method of teaching at Oxford University, which emphasizes individual and small group instruction, has historical roots dating back to the 11th century. It promotes independent learning and critical thinking, and remains a key component of the university's educational framework. The method was notably influenced by Professor Benjamin Jowett in the 19th century and is highlighted in the university's marketing as essential for developing various skills.

Uploaded by

Huy Trần
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Which paragraph: The tutorial method

Read the following passage about the tutorial method of teaching, which is
used in some universities.

A) The tutorial method of teaching, where students are taught individually or in


very small groups of two or three, developed as the collegiate system in Oxford
and Cambridge Universities established itself. Teaching has existed in Oxford
since the 11th century, and the role of tutors was documented in the 15th
century, when Oxford tutors were described as ‘having responsibility for the
conduct and instruction of their younger colleagues’ (Moore, 1968). Thus, the
early role of the tutor was both pastoral as well as academic.

B) One of the foundations of Oxford’s academic excellence is the dialectic of


the individual, discussion-based tutorial which is reputed to have reached its
unique status in the middle of the 19th century. Professor Benjamin Jowett,
classicist and Master of Balliol College, Oxford, is traditionally credited with
having been the guiding influence behind the establishment of the tutorial
system based on the Socratic method. His students said of Jowett, ‘his great
skill consisted, like Socrates, in helping us to learn and think for ourselves’
(Markham, 1967). When Jowett took up the mantle of Vice-Chancellor of
Oxford University in 1882, his teaching method of Socratic dialogue became
established as a ‘pattern for the whole university’ (Markham, 1967).
C) In the last decade, multiple studies have been conducted exploring the
unique learning benefits of the tutorial method. 130 years after it was formally
established as the cornerstone of Oxford education, the tutorial method retains
its prestige and effectiveness. As the present university website states, it is
through the tutorial system that ‘students develop powers of independent and
critical thought, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and skills in both
written and oral communication and argument’.

Which paragraph contains the information in the statements below?


1. The tutorial is still a key part of the Oxford education system.

2. The tutorial method encourages students to learn independently.

3. The tutorial method features in Oxford University marketing.

4. Traditionally, Oxford tutors had more than just an academic role.


Answers:
1. C
still a key part of the Oxford education system = the cornerstone of Oxford
education, the tutorial method retains its prestige and effectiveness

2. B
encourages students to learn independently = helping us to learn and think for
ourselves

3. C
features in Oxford University marketing = As the present university website
states
4. A
Oxford tutors had more than just an academic role = the early role of the tutor
was both pastoral as well as academic

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