Compared to classrooms
in some countries, United States' classrooms tend to be
informal.
There are, however, some very important basic rules:
Before
class:
- Do your homework!
Read critically, form your own opinions
- Review your notes
from the previous lecture and reading for the day
- Communicate immediately with
professors about any study problems
- Focus on the task at hand
before class:
take a moment of silence to gather your thoughts and
mentally prepare yourself to the topic
- Write any objectives that come
to mind at the head of your notepaper:
- preparing for an up-coming
test,
- understanding a particular
concept,
- gaining a good foundation
on a topic
- understanding or reviewing
the readings
In Class:
- Arrive on time
for class.
Professors do not take lateness lightly
- Position yourself in
the classroom to
focus on the subject matter;
Consider the best location for:
- listening
- asking questions
- seeing visual materials
- discussing--not only with
the teacher but also your classmates
- Avoid
distractions
that may interfere with your concentration
(daydreaming, looking around the room, talking to a
friend, passing notes, dozing)
- Evaluate as you
listen:
- Decide what is important
and should be placed in your notes
and what can be left out;
- Listen long enough to be
sure you understand what was said before writing.
- Ask clarifying
questions (but wait for "breaks" in
the instructor's stream).
- Review your class
objective(s)
throughout the class period
- Did your objective(s) mesh
with the instructor's introductory remarks?
- Has the class digressed
from stated objectives, yours or the instructor's?
- Write a "to
do" list
including
- assignments;
- reviewing difficult
concepts;
- joining study groups;
- making appointments with a
study pal, tutor, or the instructor.
One resource often overlooked is a classmate who
seems to have a good grasp of the material. If it
seem appropriate, seek the individual out for
help.
Periodically
ask yourself if the course is meeting your
objectives.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with a
particular class or the course in general, make an
appointment with the instructor to discuss your
expectations.
The
earlier the better.
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