Classroom Learning
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Before class
Connect course concepts to one another
- Why this works: Understanding how and why course concepts fit together not only makes them easier to learn but can also make the material more interesting— interesting material is much more likely to hold your attention.
- How to do this: Spend 15 minutes reviewing your notes from the previous lecture and previewing content for the upcoming class. Consider how the different concepts relate to one another and what you anticipate learning about next.
For example: We learned about concept x in the last lecture; it looks like this week we will learn about how x applies to new situations.
Generate questions about upcoming content
- Why this works: Asking questions about the material prepares you to learn and gives you something to listen for during lecture.
- How to do it: As you preview upcoming content, create a list of questions you can be looking to answer in class. You can even use these questions as a starting point for your in-class notes.
For example, How does new concept y connect to concept x in the last lecture?
Consider your reasons for taking the course
- Why this works: Every class has something to offer beyond simply fulfilling a requirement. Increased interest in something you care about is linked to increased focus, more efficient information processing, and better academic performance (Harackiewicz et al., 2016). Professors may also ask you for your “why” during class introductions at the start of the quarter!
- How to do this: Consider what concepts or skills you’re learning in the course, and how these relate to your larger goals or interests. Write this down, so you can remind yourself later.
During class
Maintain focus on the lecture
- Why this works: Research shows that your attention can only focus on one thing at a time (Bellur et al., 2015; Cornell University Learning Strategies Center, n.d.). When you “multitask,” you are actually shifting your attention between two or more tasks, which slows your thinking and productivity.
- How to do it: Put away your phone and sit near the front of the classroom. Consider taking notes with paper or pencil, or minimize unnecessary tabs and apps if you prefer to take notes digitally.
Take notes
- Why this works: Taking notes helps focus your attention by encouraging active learning. Plus, it’s a great resource for homework and test prep later on.
- How to do it: Check out our page on taking notes effectively. Consider if you prefer paper or digital notes and try out different organization styles to take notes that will be effective for you during and after class.
Work on active listening
- Why this works: Professors control the timing, flow, and relative importance of each topic covered in class. Only by engaging in lecture can you pick up on the cues that let you know what topics might be covered on assessments.
- How to do it: Listen for your professors to introduce a topic as important. These hints might be obvious – “Expect to see a question like this on the exam” – or less obvious – the professor may spend significant time on a subject or describe it using superlatives like “important” or “key”.
Ask questions
- Why this works: Asking questions is a great way to stay engaged, get valuable information, and clarify content that you may be confused about.
- How to do it: Find out what your instructor’s expectations are for asking questions in class. If you have multiple options, pick the one you’re most comfortable with, whether that means raising your hand in class, approaching the professor afterwards, or saving your question for office hours.
After class
Review your notes
- Why this works: Reviewing your notes helps you to identify and organize recurring themes and important topics. In addition, it can help you determine where you have gaps in your understanding of the lecture materials.
- How to do it: Read over your notes a day or two later to solidify the topics covered. Test yourself to summarize the class content in your own words. Design a study guide of the most important concepts to view your notes from a new perspective and organize major topics. It can also be helpful to connect with other students in the class and work together to review course content.
Bring Questions to Office Hours
- Why this works: Office hours are a great time to ask content questions that you noted during lecture or when reviewing your notes. In addition, you can ask questions about assignments, review assignments that were challenging for you, or ask for additional problems to help you prepare for an upcoming exam. As a bonus, they will help you get to know your teaching team and vice versa!
- How to do it: Review your notes, upcoming assignments, and returned assignments. Write down any questions you have about any of these topics to bring to office hours. While at office hours, ask your questions and be prepared to use the same skills that you use in class, including taking notes and engaging in active listening. If you are nervous, consider bringing a friend in the class and remember that your teaching team is holding office hours for you. If needed, you can also ask your questions over email.
Works Cited:
Bellur, S.., Smith, J. L., Nowak, K.L., & Hull, K. S. (2015). Computers in Human Behavior. Make it our time: In class multitaskers have lower academic performance, 53, 63–70.
Cornell University, The Learning Strategies Center. (n.d.). The Perils of Multitasking. https://lsc.cornell.edu/managing-time-and-stress/the-perils-of-multitas…
Harackiewicz, J. M., Smith, J. L., & Priniski, S. J. (2016). Interest matters. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(2), 220–227.
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Classroom Learning
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