Differences in class size and format and in your relationships with your instructors

Classes in university may be much bigger and more impersonal than you are used to. Indeed the lecture format itself may at first appear daunting. You will also have to work in groups with fellow students from time to time.

Have a look at this short video on lectures from Nottingham Trent University.

After viewing the video think about the following questions. Did the video reflect your own initial ideas and concerns about lectures? Has what you have seen and heard in the video influenced how you now think about lectures? If yes, in what ways?

In school, lower student numbers may have made it possible for teachers to spend a lot of time explaining to students how to complete their work. This is not possible in larger groups and there is often a need to rely more heavily on putting information into course documentation or onto the web. You need to be more proactive therefore in seeking out this information for yourself.

Suggestions

1. Be sure that you read all course documentation carefully and are aware of where to look for information. If you still need clarification, find out how you can arrange to speak to your lecturer/tutor.
2. After looking at the video above, read the unit, ‘Active listening: note-taking in lectures’.
3. As well as working independently in university there will also be a degree of collaboration and interdependent learning when you are asked to work in a group or perhaps team situation with your fellow students. For more information and suggestions for working in groups refer to the units under the heading,‘Working in groups?’.