Taking part in tutorials and seminars

Many students find that taking part in tutorials and seminars is one of the most difficult and confusing things they have to do at university. They find it difficult because they don’t like speaking in front of other people. They find it confusing because, as one student said, ‘I’m a student. The lecturer knows much more than me, so why do I have to give the paper? Isn’t that the lecturer’s job?’ So, why are tutorials and seminars so important in university study? And how can you participate in them successfully? Before we discuss the purpose of tutorials, it is important to understand that what you do in tutorials depends on the subject you are studying.