Tutorials are a feature of most university topics, though the ways they are used can vary from one discipline to another. Some are like follow-up lectures; others can be question-and-answer sessions. But the ones we're thinking about here are the ones where you're supposed to participate, discuss, and express opinions - and you can't seem to do it!
Why can't I say something?
There seem to be two main causes of difficulty - one is lack of information or knowledge about the subject, and the other - usually more important - is over-worry and negative thinking about what's expected of you and how people might react. A third problem can be actually learning the skills for getting a chance to talk.
So - first, the easy stuff.
Do some preparation
Face it - it's pretty hard to have really brilliant ideas, or even ask interesting questions, if you have absolutely no idea what's being discussed! So if you've decided that the time has come to participate more effectively, do some preparation. At least look up what the topic will be, and do some reading, and thinking. Do you have any reactions? Any questions? Jot them down for reference.
Think realistically and stop frightening yourself
What are tutorials for, anyway? The type of tutorial we're looking at is intended to invite people to think, to extend their understanding by discussing things with others - not to give people marks for accuracy. So saying something is a contribution, even if someone (even the tutor!) has a different opinion, or points out something you hadn't thought of. A question can be a contribution, too. Even agreeing with another speaker, or adding just a little bit of comment, is OK.
Who are the people you're talking to? They're usually a tutor and other students, that's who (not a bunch of unknown ogres who are going to burst into riotous laughter). Probably everyone else in the group has felt nervous at one time or another - maybe even now. And everyone in the room will also have had the experience of saying something that didn't come out just right.
But what do we usually think that frightens us and gets us so tense that we can hardly speak?
Here are some of our most common thoughts - feel free to jot down more!
- 'I'll make a mistake - that will be a disaster.'
- 'What I say will sound really stupid.'
- 'Their ideas are all better than mine.'
- 'Everyone else is confident except me.'
- 'If they see I'm nervous, they'll think I'm an idiot.'
Notice how a lot of this thinking is either exaggerated or unrealistic. If those are your thoughts, work on thinking more realistically and encouragingly - get yourself ready to give it a go. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Figure out how to get a chance to say something
This will vary from tute group to tute group, so do a bit of observing. Does the tutor call on people? Then be prepared to take your turn. Does the tutor look around to see who wants to talk? Then get ready to signal when you want to say something. You can establish eye contact with the tutor, and perhaps make a hand gesture. Does the tutor leave it entirely up to the group? Then - especially if there are a few who are always ready to do the talking - you may have to be ready to break in - politely, of course.
There are lots of 'opening' phrases you can use:
- 'I've got a question about that point..'
- 'I also noticed that..'
- 'I'd like to comment on that..'
- 'I'd like to go back to something he/she said..'
- 'I see what you mean, but..'
- 'I'm not sure I agree..'
- 'Can I add something here..'
- 'I agree, and I also think that..'
- 'There is another way to look at that..'
If you have to break in, you can say 'Excuse me,' and then go on with your opening phrase. Notice that you can also disagree politely - it's all part of the exchange of ideas.
Do a bit of planning - have a few ideas or questions ready - and then decide to DO IT! Set yourself some targets - and DO IT!
Remember, you don't have to say something so profound that they will all remember it forever - just say something! And it will get easier.
For international students
It can be harder to get involved in discussions if you have to put your ideas into words in a second (or even a third) language very quickly. It's also more difficult if you haven't been involved in discussion-type classes before, especially where it is common for people to express opinions and challenge each other - not all cultures approach education in this way. These notes may give you some general ideas of the Australian approach to tutorials.
If you would like to find ways to participate, but it is very difficult, you might like to seek help - you could talk to your tutor, or the Student Learning Centre, or a counsellor. All would be glad to assist you.
