StudyTrekk 1
Your first semester
StudyTrekk 3
You and online learning
StudyTrekk 4
Preparing your first assignment
StudyTrekk 5
More about assignments
StudyTrekk 6
Referencing not plagiarism
StudyTrekk 7
Giving a presentation
StudyTrekk 8
Working in a group
StudyTrekk 9
There's never enough time!
StudyTrekk 10
Surviving tests and exams
Lectures and tutorials
Seminars and laboratories
The essentials for any class
Making lectures work for you
Making tutorials work for you
Tips for Trekkers
If you are on a campus, you will probably have to attend a weekly lecture and tutorial for each unit, although this will depend on your course. Each is different in how it is presented and how much you are expected to participate. Here's what to expect:
Your lecturer will address a large number of students on a topic for about an hour, maybe longer. They may show 'slides', videos or computer images and may allow time for questions during or after the lecture.
As a record, the lecture notes may be available on the Web, you might receive a handout of key points, diagrams or quotes, or you may just have to take your own notes to revise later.
Tutorials ('tutes') are small discussion groups which usually follow the lecture on the topic. They enable you to build on what you have read or learned from the lecture. You discuss the topic, ask questions and exchange ideas to develop your knowledge and to prepare for assignments and exams.
The lecturer or tutor leads, but the students contribute most to the discussion. One student or a group usually prepares a short presentation on the topic to start the discussion. (See 'S' Trek 7 for more on class presentations). The tutor can also obtain feedback from you about the course and monitor your progress.
Seminars vary with the unit. Some are larger and similar to lectures, while others are taught in smaller groups, like tutorials. Seminars are generally more interactive and give you an opportunity for group discussion and learning from one another.
In some units, especially in science, engineering and computer-based subjects, you attend a laboratory class ('lab') to gain practical knowledge and to apply the theory you learn in lectures or seminars. You may have to prepare a 'lab report' to hand in later.
Whether it's a lecture, tutorial, seminar or 'lab', here are some tips to help you make the most of your class.
Be there. It is tempting to skip a few classes during the semester, but you may regret it at assignment and exam time. If you must miss a class, arrange to get the notes from another student or talk to your lecturer. Only some lecture notes are on the Web!
Be on time. Before the session starts, lecturers can provide handouts or other important information about the assignments, exams, cancelled classes or timetable changes. It's also polite to be punctual.
Be prepared. Do you have a pen (and a spare?), your calculator, filing paper or floppy disks? If you do the recommended pre-reading and prepare some notes of your ideas and questions this can help you to understand and contribute to any discussion that is held.
Be in the right place. Finding the right room on a big campus takes some planning and did you know that being in the right place in the room makes a difference? Sitting near the front enables you to see and hear everything and helps you to concentrate. It's easy to become distracted if you are at the back and out of eye contact with the lecturer.
Lectures may seem passive to you with the lecturer in front doing all the talking. Why not make lectures an active experience? Taking notes and summarising essential information to revise later will keep your mind focused and your brain engaged .
In your notes, try to identify the key points and use your own words. This will make you think about what is being said. You won't be able to write every word (unless, of course you can write in shorthand).
Here are a few more tips on notetaking:
Structure your notes. A good lecturer begins with an outline of the key areas. Use these as your headings and then make sure that you have notes on all the areas.
Use your own abbreviations to save time (e.g. '+' for 'and'; 'def' for 'definition'; 'N.B'. for 'note well'.)
Use anything to help you remember! Visual learners draw pictures, diagrams or charts to show relationships between ideas. Why not make your doodling meaningful?
Anything that the lecturer emphasises visually or orally is usually important. If they write something on the board, note it down. If they give 3 reasons, note the 3 reasons. (Make sure you have 3!).
Read your notes as soon as possible after the lecture, while it's still fresh in your mind. Then you can fill in the gaps, decide on the important areas or try to understand those strange symbols you cleverly used for the first time!
Tutorials should be interactive and you will get more out of them if you and the others really participate. You can contribute and enjoy them more by:
Talking. Although everyone is nervous at first, tutorials help you to practice public speaking. It can help your confidence to prepare a couple of questions or opinions before the 'tute'. You'll relax when you get to know your group better.
Listening. Just as you'd like everyone to listen to you when you talk, do the same for your classmates. Active listening helps you to form your own opinions so that you can either agree or argue for your own point-of-view.
Supporting your classmates. Everyone learns best in a supportive environment. Be willing to lead the group, encourage quiet students, ask for opinions and offer constructive feedback on other students' contributions.
Taking risks! Don't be afraid to disagree with other students or your lecturer, but support your opinion with good reasons. Tutorials are a great place for trying out interesting ideas to encourage discussion and make others think.
Respecting others. It takes all kinds of people to make the world interesting. It's fine to disagree but offer your point of view politely, without aggression, please!
Questioning. Your tutor is there to help you to understand the topic and form your own opinions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand, it's very likely that the other students don't understand either and will be glad that you asked!
Improving. You can be assessed on how much you contribute to tutorials. If you feel you need to improve, keep a journal and make notes of how often you speak and what you say. Check it to monitor yourself and build up your participation. Or, why not work with another student to assess and encourage each other?
Help save everyone's sanity and turn off your mobile phone before any class.
You should receive a unit outline in your first class. It lists the lecture and tutorial topics, recommended readings, important dates and details of how you will be assessed. Please try not to lose it.
If English is not your first language and you are having trouble understanding your lecturer, speak to them. They may provide copies of overheads, Power Point slides or notes to read before the lecture. They may also put you in contact with staff who can help you.
Are you prepared for your first classes? Try our Quiz. Then, swing over to 'S' Trek 3 to learn about online learning or 'S' Trek 7 on giving a class presentation.
Curtin University campuses - maps
Send the StudyTrekk team your comments
Whether you've just left school, come from overseas or are attending university after working for a while, you've probably heard of lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratories.
In this Trek, you'll find out what they really are and some hints on taking notes and getting the most from these classes. Then, try the Quiz!
