Compared to classrooms in some countries, United States' classrooms tend to be informal.
There are, however, some very important basic rules:
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?
- Make 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
Preparing for a Classroom Learning
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Oleh
rew