The way in which tutors rotate into the cohort groups also helps decentralize the learning
experience. Tutors are not assigned specific cohorts, but specific texts to teach. So, for example,
the Edwards group may have Sanders for session 1 on Calvin, Jeffers for session 2, and
Reynolds for session 3. That way they hear Calvin taught from the standpoint of a theologian, an
historian, and a philosopher, respectively. Since the same students are together several times a
week, and the various tutors only visit, the class truly does come to belong to the students. This
shift of the balance of power produces an exciting dynamic for learning. New tutors in Torrey
are a bit intimidated at first by how much the students think of the cohort as their class, not the
instructors, but they soon learn that it leads to a fun and effective teaching situation.
5. Real-world assessment. Learning in the Torrey Honors Institute is not measured by
written quizzes and exams or by a multiplicity of assignments that we think amount of busy
work. Students write one major essay per semester and usually rewrite it several times until they
bring it up to expectations. They also maintain a notebook with reading and class notes and
reflection/integration questions. Faculty mentors evaluate the progress of their students four
times a semester. At the final, or Don Rags, meeting, two tutors meet with and assess the
performance of each student for the semester based on the quality of her essay and semester
notebook, as well as by an oral examination. Students also must have completed their reading on
time and attended the required number of context lectures to receive an A.
6. Student mentoring. Each new student is assigned to a faculty mentor, who will
oversee his progress for his entire time in Torrey. In addition to meeting with their students four
times a semester, mentors meet with some students weekly for more in-depth discipling,
frequently invite students to their homes, and attend student-sponsored activities. Tutors also
informally monitor the online discussion boards set up for Torrey students.