UWA SPOT/SET Project

173)          the teaching has been well suited to small groups

Small group teaching is often assumed to be suitable and effective for student learning. This is not always the case. 'Small' groups are also becoming larger.

·         'Effective Small Group Teaching', (Brown & Atkins, 1990), provides a review of relevant research and a thorough coverage of the skills required of both tutors and students.

·         'Using groups of different size', pp.85-86 of (Gibbs & Habeshaw, 1989), makes specific reference to what can be best achieved in different sized groups.

·         'The Tutorial', Chapter 2 in (Bertola & Murphy, 1994), defines tutorials and outlines their purpose. It provides easy to read pointers for effective small group teaching.

Bertola, B., & Murphy, E. (1994). Tutoring at university: A beginner's practical guide. Perth, Australia: Curtin University.

Brown, G., & Atkins, M. (1990). Effective teaching in higher education. London: Routledge.

Gibbs, G., & Habeshaw, T. (1989). Preparing to teach: An introduction to effective teaching in higher education. Bristol: Technical Educational Services, Ltd.