• Explain  the concept of tutorials and small groups. as related to medical education.
• Effectively conduct a tutorial and small group discussion.

Small group discussions and tutorials are teaching - learning activities in which one teacher interacts with about 8 to 10 students. Though the two appear to be quite similar, there are some qualitative differences which are worth considering. Let us do it for you.

Tutorials is a teacher centered activity, while a small group discussion is a student centered activity. Tutorials, usually conducted after few lectures or a series of lectures, is mainly designed to find out the extent of understanding and learning achieved by the student. The concerned teacher, responsible to conduct tutorial class, evaluates by way of asking questions, the performance of students and may also clarify some of their doubts. Whatever the activity during tutorial, it is controlled by the concerned teacher. Hence,  the teacher is the authority. The students are observes and evaluated. Depending on the need, some amount of mini - teaching may also be undertaken by a teacher. The teaching - learning atmosphere created during the tutorial classes depends largely on the attitude of the teacher. An understanding, supportive approach is more beneficial for students as compared to a critical and negative approach. A soft but firm dealing may encourage the students to come prepared for the tutorial discussions. Day to day evaluation of each student and negative marks for remaining absent without valid reasons, can ensure regular attendance and effective participation.

Small group discussion is considered to foster active learning by the students. However, it is necessary to create an appropriate atmosphere for the same. The purpose and process of small group discussion should be shared with the students in a clear manner. The learning objectives should also be clearly defined. The group activity should be managed by one student acting as a group leader and each student should get an opportunity to act as leader sometime or the other. The role of teacher in such sessions is described as that of a facilitator and a proper understanding of this role is very necessary. Since small group discussions are meant for active learning by the students, use of different resource materials such as books, notes, comments and contributions from the teacher or fellow students are all welcome. The teacher does not have an authoritarian role to play here nor to provide spoon feeding. The teacher has a more friendly role to play and also provide an academic support by acting as a resource person when necessary. Thus it is a more complex role for you.
For the student, a group should provide a relaxed atmosphere to develop better understanding of the subject matter suitable to his / her individual needs and abilities. An active participation by all members of the group is ideal ; however, some can gain a lot even by listening to the discussion. Appropriately developed and effectively utilized peer pressure can also bring in positive change for some students. This may, however, need guidance from the teacher.
The background use of properly defined learning objectives seems to be important both for tutorials and small group discussions.
You must appreciate that the emphasis in small group discussion happens to be on active learning by each individual in the group whereas, during the tutorial it is presumed that most members of the group have learnt the subject and the extent of learning is being evaluated and them extended depending on the need.
Small group discussions are very likely to be time consuming. A good time  management by the teacher may be helpful for the students. Some learning objectives may not be suitable for group discussion at all eg. those related to memorisation.

The time spent in tutorial discussions may vary from teacher to teacher. The effective utilisation of the time spent may also be different by different teachers. Your way of conducting the discussion is very likely to influence students' interest in positive or negative manner particularly during the tutorial classes.  Both tutorials and small group discussions have their own advantages, and therefore, an appropriate mix of the two should be very useful for students. In general both the activities need a base - background information provided to the learner by way of a brief two - way talk or a brief lecture or a lecture series, depending on the subject matter for learning. Both the activities can help in developing better learning and better learners with aptitude for life - long learning.