The Lab Tutor's Perspective

The Lab Tutor System

of a Large Undergraduate Class:

Part II: Dave Donnellan

The Big Picture

The system caters for ~ 400 Students includes repeat students

Panel of 60 tutors 40 active 10:1 student / tutor ratio

6 hours of labs per week plus preparation beforehand

Laboratories

Training Seminar

“What makes a good tutor?” Qualities

Role Play Tutor, student and observer

Two Modules Computer Programming Architecture

Qualities

PatientApproachable/FriendlyTutor helps student to solve the

problem

Example Role Play

Student:Student:Yesterday you missed the lab ‘cos you have a job. But if you’re not signed in for the lab, you could get in trouble with the college and with your parents. Luckily, you see the lab tutor in the corridor and approach him to get him to sign you in.

Tutor:Tutor: A student, missed a lab and wants to talk to you about it.

Observer:Observer: Ideally the tutor needs to be patient but firm. Also the emphasis should be on explaining the importance of the labs rather than the impossibility of signing him in.

Two Modules

Computer Programming (CA165) Two 2-hour lab sessions per week

Computer Architecture (CA103) One 2-hour lab session per week

Lab Timetable

11am - 1pm 2pm - 4pm

Tue Programming

Thur Programming ProgrammingArchitecture Architecture

Purpose of Feedback Form

to take positive action if particular student seems to be having trouble.

to update the lectures based on possible problems in the lab.

to help improve the labs for next year.

to help identify lab tutors for next year.

Evaluation of the System

Student Perspective Monica Ward

Tutor Perspective Dave Donnellan

Results

Very positive reaction to the system: Tutors

“I enjoyed getting to know more people.”“It gave me a better understanding of last

year’s work.”

Students“I liked the friendly relaxed environment”“Help is at hand when you need it.”

23

12

0

5

10

15

20

25

S. A

gree

Agr

ee

No

Opi

nion

Dis

agre

e

S.D

isag

ree

11) Being a Lab Tutor is a Very Helpful Experience For Me.

Good Experience

Revision “Getting to go over the first year course

has really improved my knowledge of Java.”

Helping Tutees “satisfaction of helping students

understand”Money

“Not having to get a part time job.”

13

22

0

5

10

15

20

25

S. A

gree

Agr

ee

No

Op

inio

n

Dis

agre

e

S.

Dis

agre

e

3) The Interaction With The Students Has Been Good.

Conclusion

Lab Tutor System: Positive Experience Students get extra tuition. Tutors get enjoyable work and get to

revise. Staff can more easily tune in to how

students are coping with the course.

YEAR: 2000

Exam Result

806040200

Pe

rce

nt

40

30

20

10

0

SEX

F

M

YEAR: 2001

Exam Result

806040200

Pe

rce

nt

40

30

20

10

0

SEX

F

M

Part II: Dave Donnellan

The Lab Tutor's Perspective

The Lab Tutor System

of a Large Undergraduate Class: