HOW TO PASS A CLASS WITHOUT STUDING HARDER

METHOD : 1     PAYING ATTENTION IN CLASS

    1    Sit near the front. Get to class five minutes early so you can find a seat near the front. Find a seat in one of the first three rows. By sitting in the front, you will be able to see and hear your teacher better. This way, you can pick up on your teacher’s verbal and visual cues that communicate which parts of the lecture material are the most important.[1]

        Additionally, try sitting in the same seat every time. Sitting in the same seat may help trigger your memory on exam days.

    2    Minimize distractions. Make sure to put away any distractions like phones, computers, iPads and other electronic devices. If you have to, put your phone on silent or turn it off. This way, you can give your teacher and the class material your full attention.[2]

        Additionally, try to avoid sitting near people who do not pay attention during class since this can be distracting as well.

    3    Take good notes. Come up with a note-taking system that works for you. Make an outline, type your notes on a computer, draw diagrams, or record the lecture (if it is allowed). Also, don’t write down everything the teacher says. Instead, write down keywords, short sentences of the main ideas, and examples the teacher uses to explain difficult concepts.[3]

        Additionally, write your notes in your own words by rephrasing what your teacher says when they pause. This will help you remember important concepts better on test day.

        Abbreviate words so you can take faster notes, and try to use them consistently so you won’t get confused.

    4    Ask questions. Whenever you don’t understand a concept, or the teacher says something that is not clear, ask questions to clear up your confusion. Ask the teacher to use a different example or to explain the concept differently. You can also ask clarifying questions about your notes.[4]

        For example, “Mr. Roberts, in my notes it says that a well-structured essay contains at least five components—an introduction, three supporting paragraphs and a conclusion. Is this correct, or am I missing anything important?”

        If your teacher talks fast, don’t be afraid to ask them to slow down or repeat what they just said.

METHOD : 2     GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR

                                          CLASS TIME

    1    Go to every class. Make sure to attend every class, lab or discussion, even if it is not required. If you skip a class, you may miss out on important information, which is something you cannot afford if you do not plan on studying much.[5]

        For example, during class, your teacher may give hints about what material will be on the test.

        Additionally, by attending optional labs or class discussions, you may be able to get some one-on-one time with your teacher. Use this time to ask your teacher questions about class materials, tests and even extra-credit opportunities.

    2    Discuss topics with your classmates. Compare your notes with one or two other students in the class who also pay attention, take good notes and ask questions. Discuss discrepancies in your notes and abstract topics to deepen your understanding of the course material.[6]

        Discussing things out loud will also help you create associations between your personal experiences and the course material, which will help you remember important ideas on exam day better.

    3    Participate in class discussions. Whenever your teacher puts you and your classmates into groups to discuss topics, make sure to take advantage of this time to work out complex ideas. Additionally, when your teacher asks the class questions, try to answer them even if you are unsure of the answer. This way, you can test your knowledge to see what you think you know and what you actually know.[7]

    4

        Make sure to use your teacher’s office hours, or to speak with them after class if they don’t have office hours. Use this time to clarify concepts, ask for feedback on your notes (or essays and exams), and to discuss topics of interest.

        Alternatively, meet and talk with the teaching assistant (TA) if you are uncomfortable with or intimidated by talking to your teacher.

    Talk to your teacher. Don’t forget to introduce yourself to your teacher. Let your teacher know what you hope to learn from the class. Also ask your teacher about their teaching style. This will help you prepare for class and take better notes during class.[8]