ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a checklist which can be used in tutorial meetings to observe a group member in the role of a discussion leader during the synthesis phase. In a tutorial, the role of discussion leader is usually rotated so that each member of the group takes it on at least once per course. Many students believe that the discussion leader holds a pivotal position with regard to the success or failure of the tutorial. A tutorial meeting usually consists of two main activities: exploring a new problem and integrating the material studied in relation to the learning objectives set at the previous tutorial. The discussion leader can also influence the collaborative climate of the tutorial, e.g. by involving group members in the discussion, by preventing certain individuals from being intimidated, and by stimulating an evaluation about the way in which the group co-operates.
