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. |
Material adapted from: Gail M. Zimmerman,
Assistant Dean of First-Year Students and Academic Counselor,
Dartmouth College and
Bob Nelson, et al,
Learning Resource Centers, Rutgers University
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Study Guides and Strategies web site
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