Promotion of open and efficient communication in tutorials

Abstract

We tested a variety of techniques that have been suggested as ways to promote active student participation and discussion in tutorial sessions. We implemented these strategies in two different courses: Space Vehicle Design and Differential Equations and Fourier Series. Broadly, we found the strategies were successful in that they consistently increased at least one of: number of student questions, degree of openness, or efficiency; while never causing a decrease in any of these metrics. Student opinion on the strategies was slightly favorable Overall, we favor small group discussion as a strategy for promoting open communication in tutorials because it was found to be the most effective in eliminating private questions, was easy to implement, did not generate any negative survey/SELT comments, and did not give the students the opportunity to ask humorous/offensive questions due to anonymity, thereby placing the teacher in a difficult position.