how to prep for tutorials and seminars at university *study with me -- research*

Summary

In his latest video, Jack Ed Goodson provides a comprehensive guide on preparing for university seminars and tutorials. He distinguishes between lectures, seminars, and tutorials, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the latter two formats. Jack advises students to check emails for reading assignments, conduct background research on texts and authors, and organize notes effectively for discussion. He encourages using library resources and critical reading to enhance understanding. With his relatable insights, Jack reassures viewers that, despite the initial challenges of university life, proper preparation can lead to a rewarding academic experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lectures involve large groups where a professor delivers content with limited interaction, focusing on note-taking.
• 📝 Tutorials are smaller, discussion-based sessions where students engage deeply with the material and ask questions.
• 📚 Seminars combine lecture elements with discussion, requiring prior preparation and active participation from students.
• ✉️ Always check emails from tutors for important information on readings and seminar topics before attending.
• 📖 Completing assigned readings is crucial, especially when texts are specifically mentioned by the seminar leader.
• 🔍 Conduct background research on topics and authors to enhance understanding and contribute meaningfully in discussions.
• 🗒️ Organizing notes with clear headings makes it easier to reference important points during seminars and tutorials.
• 🏛️ Utilize university library resources, including online articles and recommended reading lists, for deeper insights.
• 🔗 Bibliographies from articles can lead to valuable additional resources, even if the original article isn't directly helpful.
• 🎓 Continuous preparation and engagement with seminar material can greatly improve the learning experience throughout university.

Q & A

What are contact hours in an academic setting?

Contact hours are the time spent with an academic, such as professors or course leaders, typically consisting of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and one-to-one sessions.

What is the difference between a lecture, tutorial, and seminar?

A lecture involves a professor speaking to a large audience (100-250 people) with minimal interaction. A tutorial is a small group discussion (4-10 people) led by a tutor, while a seminar is a hybrid format (15-25 people) that combines lecturing with discussion.

How should one prepare for a seminar or tutorial?

Preparation includes checking emails for instructions from the tutor, completing required readings, conducting background research on the topics or authors, and making organized notes for easy reference during the session.

Why is it important to do background research before attending a seminar?

Background research provides contextual understanding, enabling students to engage meaningfully in discussions and ask informed questions.

What types of resources can students utilize for research?

Students can use their university's library website for articles, critical texts, bibliographies from articles, and online resources like YouTube videos for additional context on topics.

What steps did Jack take to prepare for his first seminar?

Jack checked his emails for reading assignments, researched the authors of the assigned texts, made contextual notes, and planned to review the texts critically before the seminar.

How can organizing notes help in a seminar or tutorial?

Organizing notes under clear headings allows students to quickly reference important information during discussions, making it easier to contribute and answer questions.

What specific texts were mentioned for Jack's seminar?

The seminar required reading a poem by Commander Das titled 'An Introduction' and a short story by Jhumpa Lahiri.

What should students do if their seminar leader provides specific questions for preparation?

Students should focus on answering those questions, making notes related to each question, and integrating that information into their overall seminar preparation.

What advice does Jack give to students starting university regarding seminars and tutorials?

Jack advises students not to worry about feeling overwhelmed initially; with time, they will become more familiar with the format and expectations of seminars and tutorials.