Page 128 - Keys to College Success

get thinking

MAXIMIZE YOUR CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE

Complete the following on paper or in digital format.
Considering what you know about yourself as a learner and about your instructors’ teaching styles this term, decide
which classroom situation is the most challenging for you. Use this exercise to think analytically, creatively, and practi-
cally about the situation.
1. Name the course and describe the instructor’s style.
2. Analyze the problem that is making this class challenging.
3. Generate and write down three ideas about actions you can take to improve the situation.
4. Finally, choose one action and put it to practical use. Brief y note what happened. Was there any improvement
as a result?

■ Work to strengthen weaker areas. As a visual learner reviews notes from a struc-
tured lecture, he could use logical-mathematical strategies such as outlining notes
or thinking about cause-and-effect relationships within the material. An Organizer,
studying for a test from notes delivered by an instructor with a random presenta-
tion, could organize her material using tables and timelines.
■ Ask your instructor for help. Connect through email or during office hours. Com-
municating your struggle can feel like a risk, but building a relationship with an
instructor or teaching assistant can be extremely rewarding. This is especially true
in large lectures where you are anonymous unless you speak up. For example, a visual
learner might ask the instructor to recommend figures or videos to study that illus-
trate the lecture.

The adjustments you make for your instructor’s teaching style will build flexibil-
ity that you need for career and life success. Just as you can’t hand pick your instruc-
tors, you will rarely, if ever, be able to choose your work colleagues. You will have to
adjust to them, and help them adjust to you.
Keep in mind, too, that research shows a benefit
from learning in a variety of ways—kind of like
cross-training for the brain. Knowing this, some
instructors may challenge you to learn in ways
that aren’t comfortable for you.
A final point: Some students try to find out
more about an instructor by asking students
who have already taken the course or looking
up comments online. Be cautious, as you may
not be able to trust an anonymous poster. Even
if you hear a review from a friend you trust,
every student–instructor relationship is unique,
and an instructor your friend loved may be a
bad match for you. Prioritize the courses you
need, and know that you can make the most of
what your instructors offer, regardless of their Broaden your experience in your courses, and your education, by interacting
with instructors outside of class time.
teaching styles.

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