A tutor's guide to teaching and learning at UQ - TEDI - University of ...

22 A Tutor’s Guide to Teaching and Learning at UQTo these three key elements, we could also add:Intellectual engagement♦ Students need to make some sense of what they are learning in terms of whatthey already know (or think they know). It is important for teachers to encouragestudents to relate the learning material to their existing knowledge, but to also gobeyond simply linking ideas to prior knowledge – encourage students to engagein investigative inquiry stemming from the linking of prior experiences andidentification of relationships between new and already known concepts.♦They need to be intellectually challenged in a manner that is relevant for thelearning you want them to achieve – consider what kind of learning objectiveshave been set for the course; do students have to acquire knowledge of particularconcepts? do students need to be able to demonstrate their ability to criticallyanalyse key theories or research findings related to the topic? do student need toshow how they can use reasoning and analytical skills in order to drawconclusions from sources of information?Working with small groupsEffective small group teaching requires not only a good understanding of the subjectmatter, but knowledge of how groups develop and function over time. As the initial‘leader’ of your class group, it will be important for you to keep track of how the groupis going, being mindful of potential difficulties, and being ready to respond if thesearise. This is particularly important if the students are also required to form smallgroups within the class in order to undertake learning activities. The following sectionwill guide you through the essential principles of working with small groups.