Sometimes, we are so ashamed to speak face to face with a teacher that we waste the great advantage of tutorials. At the beginning of the course, all teachers give us their tutorial schedule and we usually don't pay attention to it until we ask for an exam review or have to prepare the TFG. We need to change our mindset, tutorials are an essential help for any student and wasting their many advantages is a mistake. If we want the path to our
eTítulo to be easier, let's start getting used to tutorials as soon as possible.
1. Prepare questions in advance
To make the most of the tutorial, it is essential to arrive with clear ideas. Before attending, we must review the material of the subject and write down all the doubts or topics we want to discuss with the teacher. It is important to arrive at the tutorial with clear ideas and knowing the concepts or topics we want to consult. This implies having read the material, having tried to solve the exercises or having reflected on the points that generate confusion. In this way, we make better use of the time with the teacher and demonstrate an active interest in resolving doubts. This will not only help us organize the conversation better, but will also allow the teacher to quickly and accurately understand what our doubts are and not feel that we are wasting their time. A list of specific questions or comments will help us optimize the tutorial time.
2. Don't wait until the problem becomes huge
One of the most common mistakes is waiting until a problem becomes difficult to solve before attending a tutorial. The ideal is to attend regularly, especially at the beginning of the course, when doubts begin to arise. Resolving small unknowns in time prevents us from accumulating bigger problems as the semester progresses. We must bear in mind that something we do not understand at the beginning can become a giant snowball that ends up causing us to fail the entire subject. Tutorials are also a space to receive guidance on how to study better or how to approach a task, not just to solve immediate doubts.
3. Never go to a tutorial empty-handed
When attending a tutorial, it is useful to bring all the necessary resources: class notes, exercises that we have not understood, reference books, etc. Having all the material at hand will allow us to ask more precise questions and will facilitate the teacher to quickly see where our doubt lies. In this way, the tutorial becomes more productive, as we will not waste time looking for information or remembering important details.
4. Set clear objectives for the tutorial
In addition to specific questions, it is useful to have a clear objective for the tutorial. Do we want to better understand a topic? Do we need guidance on how to prepare for an exam or a task? Having a clear idea of what we expect to achieve at the end of the session helps us stay focused and make better use of the time with the teacher. If the goal is large or covers several topics, we can divide it into smaller sessions to address the topics in a more organized way.
5. Listen attentively and take notes
During the tutorial, it is essential to be focused and take notes on what the teacher explains to us. Although it may seem like an informal conversation, we are receiving valuable information that we will need to remember later. In addition, taking notes on the explanations will help us review later and prevent the doubts from reappearing later on. It is also advisable to make a final summary of what we have understood at the end of the tutorial, to ensure that everything is clear.
6. Be proactive
Tutorials are a space for dialogue. It is not just about receiving answers from the teacher, but about
being proactive and seeking solutions. If something is not clear, do not hesitate to ask for further explanations or additional examples. We should also not be afraid to propose our own ideas or hypotheses; teachers value the effort to reason and think autonomously. In addition, being proactive helps us develop a deeper and more participatory learning.
7. Always follow up after the tutorial
Finally, it is important to continue what we have learned during the tutorial. After the session, dedicate time to review the answers we were given, put into practice the advice received, and apply the new knowledge. If a new doubt arises, we can write it down for the next tutorial. Good follow-up is key to consolidating learning and avoiding falling into the same mistakes. By the way, let's not forget a fundamental advantage of tutorials: when we attend them and go well prepared, teachers see us and our interest, we are not just another face in a sea of students. If we want to stand out and have better opportunities, attending tutorials is a good way to do it.
