OXFORD LEARNING

At The Oxford Institute, we are dedicated to providing a holistic and personalised learning experience that celebrates the uniqueness of every student. Since our inception, we have upheld our core values of individual attention, understanding that each participant brings their own strengths, knowledge, and areas for growth. By working with small, carefully selected batches, we can focus on each student, tailoring our approach to nurture their true passions. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and regardless of age, we remain as much students of life as we are educators. For us, teaching is a two-way process where the exchange of ideas enriches both students and teachers.

Our philosophy centres on the belief that the best learning happens when students pursue their passions, engage their curiosity, and cultivate a questioning mind. Our teaching methods are designed to maximise individual attention, empowering students to think critically, communicate effectively, and build essential skills for lifelong, independent learning. We encourage students to explore their interests both within and beyond the classroom, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond their time with us.

TUTORIAL SYSTEM OF LEARNING
We are the only summer programme in Oxford which places Oxford University’s unique teaching method - the tutorial system - at the heart of our teaching approach.

All courses are taught in tutorials - students are assigned in groups of 1 to 3 to have intensive daily sessions with their tutors, who are leading scholars and researchers at Oxford University.

Tutorials create intimate and personalised learning environments. Students get the chance to comprehensively examine their chosen subject by interacting with experts in the field. Tutorials introduce students to novel and cutting edge research in their subject areas, provoke challenging questions, or inspire them to think outside of their comfort zone.

Tutorials are highly flexible and feedback-oriented. The content and pace of learning is shaped by the interests and goals of the student. Tutors are also trained to develop students’ thoughts and ideas, enhance critical thinking and communication skills, and identify areas of improvement. Having a direct relationship with tutors also makes the learning fun and engaging.

Our students have consistently found tutorials to be the most enriching component of our Summer Programme.
KEYNOTE LECTURES
Keynote lectures are delivered by acclaimed Oxford professors and researchers. The objective of the lectures is to introduce students to the latest debates, discussions, and innovations in their field of study. These lectures also include a Question and Answer session that encourages students to discuss and deliberate on the issues discussed in lectures. The lecturers are encouraged to use a variety of study aids which includes hand-outs, powerpoint slides as well as audio video materials. The majority of lectures are in presentation form, whereas in other cases seminar style is opted. Recent lectures touched upon subjects such as Climate Change, Optogenetics, Information Technology and Moral Values.
International students, especially non-native English speakers, generally struggle with writing well structured, evidence-based and persuasive essays. The students are led by experienced residential deans in essay counselling sessions aimed at improving critical and creative writing skills among students. The students are introduced to the fundamentals of essay/report writing, developing an argument, applying critical thinking skills to analyse various perspectives on the topic and synthesising these to provide support an argument. The counselling also helps students learn the use of citations and references and avoid plagiarism. The students are expected to write a 2000-word essay during the program, which will be marked by their tutors and feedback provided to identify areas for further improvement. Residential deans will be on hand at all times to provide useful guidance, assistance and feedback prior to the submission date.
OXFORD CONNECTION
All tutors and lecturers at the Oxford Institute are scholars and academics at Oxford University. They are trained in the best teaching methods and are actively engaged in research at the forefront of their fields. Our staff members are also dedicated to teaching and mentorship, and will often go out of their way to help, engage and guide their students. We are proud of the excellent quality of teaching staff working with us.