Getting the Most from Lectures.docx - Getting the Most from...

Getting the Most from Lectures
Much of the information you need to know in college classes is given in lectures. One of the main
differences between learning from texts and learning from lectures is that in lectures, the professor
controls the pace. You usually do not have the ability to pause the professor, go back, or slow down, like
you do when reading or learning independently. Because lectures are such a unique way to learn and
such a crucial key to success, it is important to use effective strategies to maximize your attention during
lectures and your retention after lectures. Whether your professor stands behind a podium and reads off
of a PowerPoint or leads a class discussion, try some of these effective strategies to ensure you get the
most out of lecture-based learning.
Before class
Read assignments and do problems before class, not after. Don’t be fooled by the common myth that it’s
not necessary to read before class if your professor goes over the material in class. Reading the material
first primes your short-term memory such that the information you learn in lecture is easier to
remember because a) it’s connecting to something you already know and b) repetition is often important
for effective learning. By reading before class, you can make better connections between the text and