Tutorials under threat
The future of the treasured hallmark of Oxbridge teaching, the tutorial, is under threat due to a move by several department faculties to replace tutorials with classes.
Law, Psychology, Politics and Philosophy have been affected by these changes, and Final Honour School students were notified this term that instead of an hour of one-to-one discussion time with a tutor, they would be in classes of up to ten other undergraduates.
This move is a pilot scheme implemented for this year, but the Philosophy faculty have admitted that the intention is to make the changes permanent, in order to lighten the workload on tutors and expand opportunities for graduate teaching.
The growth of class teaching in Oxford has been an issue for a number of years. The Economics and Psychology departments exchanged some of their tutorial teaching for classes in 2000, arguing that the technique of presenting work to a group rather than a tutor is more appropriate and trains undergraduates in skills that will be useful in the workplace.
An Economics tutor from Teddy Hall, who asked not to be named, said that the use of classes in micro economics was a "more efficient method of teaching because the initiative comes from within the group rather than the tutor."
However, the tutor denied that the workload for academics was eased by the advent of group teaching. Recently suspicions have been raised among teaching circles that allowing classes in Oxbridge is a reaction to the increasing tide of lecturers crossing the Atlantic for academic posts with lighter workloads and higher salaries.
But many students have reacted furiously to the surprise changes. A second year PPEist said "One of the main reasons I came to Oxford was because of the unique system of individual teaching. Class teaching is a blatant attempt at cost-cutting which will disastrously undermine our high standards".
Law student Jessica Barker at Teddy Hall confirmed that her anticipated four tutorials for the Trusts course this term were for the first time to be taught in classes of six to seven students. "I think it's a very bad idea. While everyone is forced to present a case, there is much less opportunity to ask questions and have discussions than in a tutorial".
OUSU Vice-President (Access and Academic Affairs) Sonia Sodha is also sceptical about the merits of the new system. "If the changes were triggered from the point of view of standardisation, to reduce inequalities in academic affairs, it could be beneficial for students, but if the issue is one of resources then it is most concerning".
17th Oct 2002