4 Ways To Maximize Class Time While In College

July 29th, 2016 / By triOS College

triOS courses often cover a lot of content in a short amount of time, so it is important to attend as many of your classroom lectures as possible. Some college and university students boast about attending very few classes and then cramming for exams. This is a really foolish way to earn an education as the most lasting and effective learning occurs over time. It’s important to learn how to maximize class time.

students listening to instructor during lecture

Attending all classroom lectures helps to ensure you do well and get the most out of your education.

 

So, here are a few tips to make sure that your time spent in class is effective:

Find Your Place

In most cases, you are free to sit where you like in a triOS classroom. However, people often like to find a spot that works best for them and then stay in that seat for the duration of the course. If you have a preference, it is best to come early on the first day in order to get that spot. Whether you learn better at the front of the room, where there are fewer distractions, or at the back, where you can take in everything with ease, the seat you choose can make a difference.

Take Notes

This may seem obvious, but some people attend classes and simply listen, hoping that they will absorb what is said. Why take the chance that you will forget things? You don’t need to write down everything your instructor says, but make sure to get down the main points of each lecture or the things that might be easy to forget.

Think about what style of note taking has worked best for you previously. We advise creating subject headings and then adding points under each heading that seem especially relevant to you. The course lesson plan often lists what will be covered each day and you can use that to prepare your headings in advance.

Create some abbreviations beforehand that you will recognize; this saves additional time and allows you to get more down on paper. Your notes provide a very helpful addition to the textbook when it comes time to study for your exam.

If your instructor does not mind your phone being on in class, you can also take notes electronically via one of several free apps. It may also be possible for you to record each lecture on your smartphone. However, do not do this until you have received your instructor’s permission.

Ask Questions

Accessing the lesson plan allows you to think about each class in advance. Some of the questions you come up with will be covered by the instructor, but some may not. Thinking in advance about something that intrigues you means that you will know what to ask and in what level of detail.

During class you should also feel free to ask questions. Everyone is there to learn and chances are some of your classmates have the same question in mind. Show initiative and ask your instructor for details that would help clarify something you don’t fully understand. If a classmate is doing a presentation, consider asking them to expand on information they have provided.

Be sure to also have any assigned reading completed. That way you will be fully up to date and able to concentrate on what is being covered, rather than having to play catch-up.

Interact with Your Fellow Students

Some people are extroverts and thrive on talking to people, while others are introverts and tend to work better on their own. However, even if you are an introvert, you will find it helpful to talk to your classmates about the course. You don’t need to lead discussions or run study groups, but absolutely consider participating in them.

Make the most of your time at triOS and you will gain the skills needed to achieve all of your employment goals!

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