The 10 Steps of the AVID Tutorial Process
The 10 Steps of the AVID Tutorial Process has been divided into three parts⁚ before the tutorial, during the tutorial, and after the tutorial. These three parts provide a framework for the 10 steps that need to take place to create effective, rigorous, and collaborative tutorials. Read and note the key components of each step of the AVID Tutorial Process.
Introduction
AVID Tutorials are a collaborative environment in which students use the inquiry process and Socratic dialogue to address Points of Confusion from their content classes in order to come to a more complete understanding. The AVID tutorial process provides a structured framework for students to engage in rigorous academic discourse and to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The 10 Steps of the AVID Tutorial Process is designed to guide students through a process of inquiry, collaboration, and reflection, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the content being studied. By following these steps, students can effectively address their Points of Confusion, enhance their learning, and develop essential skills for academic success.
Before the Tutorial
The AVID tutorial process is a structured approach designed to enhance student learning through collaborative inquiry and reflection. Before the tutorial begins, students are expected to actively participate in their academic classes, taking thorough Cornell notes and engaging with various learning methods. This pre-tutorial preparation sets the foundation for the tutorial session by ensuring that students have a solid understanding of the content and are equipped to identify their Points of Confusion. Once students have identified their Points of Confusion, they complete a Tutorial Request Form (TRF) which serves as a formal request for assistance during the tutorial session. The TRF allows students to articulate their specific questions and concerns, enabling the tutor to effectively guide the tutorial process.
Step 1⁚ Take Notes
The first crucial step in the AVID tutorial process is taking focused and thorough notes in academic classes. This step emphasizes active engagement with the material, encouraging students to actively listen, read, and process information. Cornell notes, a structured note-taking method, are highly recommended. This method involves dividing the page into three sections⁚ the note-taking area, the cue column, and the summary section. Taking Cornell notes allows students to organize their thoughts, identify key concepts, and prepare for future review. The notes taken in class become the foundation for the subsequent steps in the AVID tutorial process, enabling students to identify their points of confusion and formulate effective questions for the tutorial session.
Step 2⁚ Review Notes
Following the initial note-taking phase, the next critical step in the AVID tutorial process is reviewing the notes taken in class. This review serves as a crucial opportunity for students to solidify their understanding of the material. The goal is to identify areas of confusion, gaps in knowledge, and lingering questions. Students should actively engage with their notes, highlighting key concepts, summarizing main points, and formulating questions they need clarification on. This review process ensures that students enter the tutorial session with a clear understanding of their points of confusion, enhancing their ability to actively participate in the collaborative learning environment.
Step 3⁚ Complete the TRF
The Tutorial Request Form (TRF) is a vital component of the AVID tutorial process, serving as a bridge between classroom learning and the collaborative learning environment of the tutorial session. Students complete the TRF before the tutorial, meticulously outlining their point of confusion (POC) from their academic classes. This process encourages students to actively reflect on their learning, identify areas where they need further understanding, and articulate their specific questions or challenges. The TRF acts as a roadmap for the tutorial, guiding the discussion and ensuring that students are focused on addressing their individual learning needs. By completing the TRF thoroughly, students play an active role in shaping the direction and focus of the tutorial session, maximizing its effectiveness in addressing their specific learning gaps.
During the Tutorial
The “During the Tutorial” phase is where the collaborative learning process truly comes to life. Students, guided by their teacher or tutor, actively engage in a structured process designed to deepen their understanding of the chosen topic. This phase is characterized by a dynamic interplay of individual contributions and group collaboration. Students take turns presenting their initial understanding of the topic, sharing their perspectives and insights. This presentation serves as a springboard for a lively academic conversation, where students engage in thoughtful dialogue, challenge assumptions, and work together to build a more comprehensive understanding. The tutor serves as a facilitator, guiding the discussion, asking probing questions, and encouraging students to think critically and synthesize information. The aim is to create a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment where students can learn from each other and build upon their individual knowledge.
Step 4⁚ Divide into Groups
Once the TRF has been approved, the next step in the AVID Tutorial Process is to divide students into small groups. These groups are typically comprised of 7 students or less, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to actively participate in the discussion. The formation of these groups is strategic, aiming to foster a sense of collaboration and shared learning. By working together, students can leverage each other’s strengths and perspectives, challenging their own assumptions and deepening their understanding. This collaborative environment allows students to clarify their points of confusion, explore diverse viewpoints, and build upon their individual knowledge. The group dynamic is crucial for creating a supportive and intellectually stimulating space where students can learn from each other and collectively construct a more comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic.
Step 5⁚ Presenter’s Speech
Within each group, one student is designated as the presenter. This student is responsible for presenting their point of confusion (POC) to the group. The presenter delivers a concise 60-second synthesis of their learning, outlining the challenge they encountered, the steps they took to address it, and the key insights they gained. This presentation format encourages clear and concise communication, forcing the presenter to distill complex ideas into a digestible format. The 60-second time limit also encourages the presenter to prioritize the most essential information, fostering a focused and impactful delivery. This presentation serves as a springboard for the subsequent academic conversation, providing a shared understanding of the topic and setting the stage for a collaborative exploration of ideas.
Step 6⁚ Academic Conversation
Following the presenter’s speech, the group engages in a facilitated academic conversation. This conversation is guided by the principles of inquiry and Socratic dialogue, encouraging students to delve deeper into the presenter’s POC. The tutor or teacher facilitates the conversation, posing questions, prompting critical thinking, and ensuring all members of the group have the opportunity to contribute. During the academic conversation, students challenge assumptions, clarify misunderstandings, and explore alternative perspectives. They draw upon their collective knowledge and experiences to construct a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. This process fosters intellectual curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and cultivates a collaborative learning environment where students learn from each other as much as they learn from the material itself.
After the Tutorial
The AVID Tutorial Process extends beyond the immediate session, emphasizing the importance of reflection, reinforcement, and application. Following the tutorial, students engage in a series of activities designed to solidify their learning and ensure the content is integrated into their academic understanding. This post-tutorial phase is crucial for fostering deeper comprehension and promoting long-term retention. Students actively participate in these activities, demonstrating their commitment to their academic growth and their willingness to apply the knowledge gained through the tutorial process. By engaging in these post-tutorial activities, students become active participants in their learning journey, taking ownership of their academic development and utilizing the AVID Tutorial Process as a tool for continuous improvement.
Step 7⁚ Written Reflection
The seventh step in the AVID Tutorial Process involves a crucial element of self-assessment and reflection. Students are tasked with composing a written reflection on their learning experience, encompassing both the content and the process. This written reflection serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and academic development. It allows students to delve into their understanding of the topic, identify any remaining points of confusion, and analyze their participation in the collaborative learning environment. This introspective process empowers students to take ownership of their learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and strengthening their critical thinking skills. The written reflection serves as a valuable record of their journey, highlighting their progress and areas for future growth.
Step 8⁚ Turn in the TRF
The eighth step in the AVID Tutorial Process marks the completion of the formal documentation of the learning experience. Students are required to turn in their Tutorial Request Form (TRF) to their teacher or tutor for grading and feedback. The TRF serves as a comprehensive record of the student’s inquiry process, capturing their initial point of confusion, the notes they took during the tutorial, and their reflections on the learning experience. By submitting the TRF, students demonstrate their commitment to the process and their desire to receive valuable feedback from their instructor. The teacher or tutor can then assess the student’s understanding of the content, their engagement in the tutorial, and their ability to articulate their learning journey. This step reinforces the importance of accountability and provides students with valuable feedback to further enhance their academic progress.
Step 9⁚ Verify Learning
The ninth step in the AVID Tutorial Process emphasizes the practical application of the acquired knowledge. Students are encouraged to verify their learning in their academic classes, demonstrating the real-world relevance of the tutorial experience. This step reinforces the connection between classroom learning and the tutorial process, ensuring that the skills and concepts learned are not isolated but integrated into their ongoing academic pursuits. Students can actively apply their new understanding to their coursework, participating in class discussions, completing assignments, and engaging with the subject matter with increased confidence. By verifying their learning, students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts, solidify their knowledge, and build a strong foundation for future academic success. This step encourages students to be proactive in their learning, actively seek opportunities to apply their knowledge, and make meaningful connections between different aspects of their academic journey.
Step 10⁚ Debrief the Process
The final step in the AVID Tutorial Process involves a comprehensive debriefing session where students, teachers, and tutors come together to reflect on the entire tutorial experience. This collaborative discussion focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the process, identifying areas for improvement, and celebrating the successes achieved. Students share their insights and perspectives on how the tutorial helped them understand the content, overcome challenges, and enhance their learning. Teachers and tutors provide feedback, acknowledging the students’ efforts and offering guidance for future tutorials. This step creates a space for open communication, constructive criticism, and shared learning. By reflecting on the process, the AVID Tutorial Process becomes a continuous cycle of improvement, ensuring that future tutorials are even more impactful and beneficial for all participants. The debriefing session serves as a valuable tool for fostering a culture of continuous learning, growth, and collaboration within the AVID classroom.