There is a need to establish a firm line of communication between learner and tutor / facilitator / supervisor etc. This is best done by the establishment of a sound educational relationship, identifying shared goals, support structures, research endeavours etc.

A tutor / facilitator should gather information about the learners under their guidance, in return they should openly provide information about their own endeavours.

Another way of providing flexible access and supporting student engagement is to personalise your large group sessions. This may be done by a number of simple initiatives (that will make all the difference):

• Be accessible at the start of session, for queries, notes etc
• Get students to introduce themselves to each other, share queries etc
• Lecture from and to all points of the room and try to stand in front of the lectern
• When asking questions start with the personal, then the abstract
• Provide topical references
• Ask and answer questions at the end of a class

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