College is back in session, and it’s time to focus on the task at hand: academic success. Hopefully you have some exciting and challenging classes that you’re looking forward to this semester. One specific type you may encounter is a lecture-style course.
These are unique academic experiences, as you do not get as much individualized attention as you would in a class like a seminar. However, these classes can often be essential to your major or to your general education requirements, making it critical to do well and to connect with your lecture professor. You can connect with your lecture professor in many ways, including participating in class discussions, attending office hours, and going to departmental events where your professor may be present. Keep reading to learn more.
Connect with your lecture professor by actively attending class
As obvious as it may seem, this is the most important action item for your lecture class. Aim for perfect attendance. Are the class sessions early in the morning? Make sure to get enough sleep the night before and have breakfast ready to go. Do you have a friend in the class to help you with accountability for challenging homework assignments? Exchange contact information to help each other out.
However, just being in the classroom isn’t enough. Make sure that you’re listening to your professor. They likely have extensive experience and insight into the subject at hand. Figure out what kind of learner you are by asking questions like:
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Do you learn better with audio materials? Take a voice memo of the lecture (with permission).
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Are you a visual learner? Make a detailed organizer with notes from the class.
Understanding what type of learner you are will help you to maximize your studying and make assignments and assessments down the line much easier to tackle.
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Connect with your lecture professor by attending office hours
Many college students don’t take advantage of office hours. However, they can be a great way to connect with your professor and to get to know them outside of the lecture hall. You might get extra assistance studying for an upcoming midterm or form a relationship with someone who might become your mentor down the line. At the very least, you can always get some clarity on the reading or a challenging part of the lecture. Whatever the outcome might be, office hours are an incredible opportunity to talk with your professor in a different context and learn something new.
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Connect with your lecture professor by asking your TA for advice
Your teaching assistant for the lecture section may know some tips on how to connect with your lecture professor. Whatever your professor is involved in outside of the classroom, your TA might have an idea and be able to help you to get to know them better. They might also know when your professor is under deadline for a research article or book draft and guide you to ask for help at a later time. Your TA can be a great resource for both the class and your professor.
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Connect with your lecture professor by attending events and public lectures in which your professor will be participating
Colleges and universities will often hold events and public lectures that your professor may be participating in. These are great ways to learn more about your professor’s expertise and to see them in a different space. It’s also a great way for them to see your interest in their experience and subject. Again, this could be helpful for forming a mentor-mentee relationship in the future or for letters of recommendation. If you’re genuinely inspired to learn more about the subject, your professor will see that and, more than likely, be excited to help guide you.
Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.
