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Student Learning Success: Studying

LEARNING FROM LECTURES is often challenging for many students. Learning how you can get the most out of time spent in lectures will make a huge difference to your level of understanding and success.

Tips

Get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast to start the day ready to learn.

Sit close to the front of the class to make it easier to avoid distractions. You'll also have more eye contact with your instructor, which will help you stay engaged and attentive.

Don't bring distractions to class: turn your phone to vibrate, block social media during class time, and don't sit with people who like to chat or distract you during class.

Only answer your phone if it's an emergency. Leave the room before you start to speak. 

Self-reflection

How do you prepare for class before the lecture?

How can you avoid distraction and avoid being a source of distraction for other students?

How do you contribute to class discussions (ask questions, seek clarification, introduce new ideas)?

How can you make mental connections to readings during the lecture?

What is one change you could make to improve your concentration in class?

Before the Lecture

Be prepared for your lectures.

  • Know the topic and role of this lecture in the course.
  • Review the learning outcomes on your course syllabus. To which learning outcome is the topic of this lecture connected? 
  • Connect the topic to the previous lecture or assigned readings.
  • Know the major points of the lecture before you arrive!
  • Arrive well rested, fed, and alert.
  • Be ready to learn and focus.           
  • Read and understand class notes/slide decks if provided in advance.
  • Before the lecture, complete the homework (reading, solving problems, etc.). Or at least preview the readings (and other materials) if you run out of time.
  • Review your notes from the previous lecture.
  • Attempt to solve the kind of problems that will be presented in class.

During the Lecture

Attention strategies can help you get the most out of the lectures.

  • Find key ideas: headings, theories, examples, highlights or underlining on slides.
  • Listen for instructor cues like repetition, pauses, and questions.
  • Use active listening skills.
  • Monitor your understanding. Are you unclear about anything?
  • Ask questions. You aren’t the only one who needs that answer.
  • Use an effective note-taking method.
  • Make mind maps.
  • Make up acronyms.
  • Consider recording the lecture (with permission).

After the Lecture

When your class is finished, use strategies to help you reinforce what you learned.

Review your notes.

  • Talk to your instructor or a classmate if your notes have gaps.
  • Connect lecture notes to topics already covered.
  • Evaluate for patterns and real-world applications. 
  • Analyze the ideas, theories, and arguments.

Create practice exam questions and do them.

  • This is the most effective study strategy.
  • It’s worth the effort!

Plan study sessions.

  • Include breaks, snacks, exercise, and subject changes.
  • Try to avoid cramming.

Class Lectures Video