Enhancing tutorial learning experiences: A programme to develop sessional-tutor teaching skills by raising awareness about learning

Toomas Truuvert*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article outlines the trial of a programme to enhance tutorial learning experiences by raising sessional-tutor awareness about learning, and reflects on its results. The author developed the programme for an introductory undergraduate unit in finance with historically very large enrolments, diverse student populations, and high failure rates. Its tutor population was diverse, with a high rate of turnover, but consistently held excellent discipline knowledge. A large majority of tutors were sessional (adjunct or casual), and spanned a wide range of communicative competencies and teaching experience. Following programme introduction, there were noticeable improvements in learning experiences reported in end-of-semester student surveys. The results support the view that even small rises in sessional-tutors' awareness about learning can lead to enhanced learning experiences. The programme applies readily across subject disciplines, especially in first-year and introductory units. It is suitable for both sessional-tutors and early-career academics, and even for experienced tutors who commence teaching on a unit.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20-33
Number of pages14
JournalStudies in Higher Education
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

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