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Tutorials

God is faithful.
I could really just leave that line on this blog and not write another word.
The simple fact of His faithfulness is continuously evident within my experiences in Oxford.

On Friday, His faithfulness shone in my meeting with my two tutors, who I met for the very first time. I was extremely nervous going to meet them!
The tutorial system in Oxford is unlike any education system in America. It is a one-on-one interaction between student and tutor (professor). In most cases the tutors are experts in the fields being studied, having achieved doctorates and read all of the books on a certain topic, or even being the major author within the field of study itself. For each tutorial, a student is required to prepare a 2,000 word essay and come prepared to defend/discuss their essay. This contrasts the American system, in which we receive information from a lecture in a top down sort of way. Tutorials open the doors for discussion, for dialogue and debate. Tutorials allow a student to articulate their thoughts in written word and to defend them verbally. The student also determines the direction of the material studied. One of my tutors, explained it by comparing it to a road trip. As the student, I am the driver and she is the passenger. Now, she has already driven this route before and knows all of the signs, stops, and side streets. Her job is to help guide me to my choice of final destination. I can stop and look at whatever sign interests me, and she will help me to avoid traffic and progress towards my destination, stopping by the key landmarks. Essentially, I have an amazing opportunity to dive deep into studying material of personal interest. I am not limited by testing standards or general education requirements. Instead, I can pour my time into reading a subject that genuinely interests me. I can develop thoughts, ask questions, and relate material all with the helpful guidance of a tutor whose knowledge helps to direct and challenge my study.
I was grinning ear to ear after meeting both of my tutors. They are each very kind, warm, and, of course, brilliant beyond belief. I feel as though being in their mere presence makes me a little more intelligent.
My tutorial topics are: Persuasion and Attitude Change in the Women's Rights movement and Organizational Communication.
My Organizational tutor is a petite woman with a youthful glow and an intelligent dialect. Her hope is to encourage me to challenge everything I read, to be able to question information around me with confidence.
My Persuasion tutor is a vivacious middle-aged woman who talks with her hands and welcomes with her nods. Her office resembles a small library and a minute talking to her tells you she has read every one of the books on the shelves. Her passion for history is contagious and inspiring.
I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with these women and incredibly appreciative for the gift of learning.
May you take advantage of the knowledge around you, thanking God that He blesses us with opportunities to learn each and every day.

All my love,
Gennavieve

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