High school and college classes can look very different from one another. At Case Western Reserve University, you may take discussion-based seminars, large lecture courses, hands-on labs and classes that combine online learning with in-person activities.
Each class is designed with different learning goals in mind, so it's normal to find that some formats feel more comfortable than others. As you gain experience, you'll discover study strategies and routines that work best for you.
Seminar classes
Seminars are typically smaller classes, often with around 20 students. Rather than listening to a lecture for the entire class period, students spend much of their time discussing readings, asking questions and sharing ideas with each other. Your Academic Inquiry Seminar is one example, but you'll likely encounter other seminar-style classes during your time at CWRU.
Before class, complete the assigned reading if possible and take a few notes about what stood out to you. You might write down:
- A question you have
- A quote or idea you found interesting
- A connection to something you've learned before
- Something you agreed or disagreed with
Many seminar courses include participation as part of the course grade. Remember that participation can look different for different students. Asking a thoughtful question, responding to a classmate's idea or sharing an observation are all valuable ways to contribute. You don't need to have the "perfect" answer—college discussions are often about exploring ideas together.
Large lecture classes
Lecture courses are often larger classes with 100 or more students. In these courses, professors spend much of the class introducing new concepts through presentations, demonstrations and explanations.
Rather than trying to write down every word, focus on understanding the main ideas. Consider:
- Highlighting or underlining concepts the professor emphasizes.
- Writing down questions that come to mind.
- Using abbreviations or symbols to make note-taking easier.
- Reviewing your notes soon after class while the material is still fresh.
If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask questions during class, after class or during office hours. Chances are, other students have the same question.
Lab courses
Lab classes combine classroom learning with hands-on experiments and activities. Labs often include 20 to 40 students and may involve working independently or with a partner.
Before each lab, read through the procedures so you know what to expect. Breaking instructions into smaller steps or making a checklist can help you stay organized during the experiment.
If you're working with a lab partner, communicate regularly about responsibilities and deadlines. If you're working independently, don't hesitate to ask your teaching assistant (TA) or instructor for clarification if you get stuck. They're there to help you learn.
After completing the experiment, you'll usually write a lab report explaining what you observed, what you learned and how you interpreted the results. If you're unsure how to begin, your TA is a great resource.
Flipped classrooms
In a flipped classroom, you'll learn some of the course material before class by watching videos, listening to recorded lectures or completing assigned readings. Class time is then used for discussion, problem-solving, group work or applying what you've learned.
Before class, try to engage with the assigned materials and write down any questions or topics that are confusing. You don't need to understand everything perfectly before you arrive. Coming to class with questions is part of the learning process.
After watching a video or completing a reading, take a moment to summarize the main ideas in your own words. This can help you identify concepts you understand well and those you may want to review.
Strategies for success in any class
Every student develops their own approach to learning, and it's OK if your strategies look different from someone else's. As you settle into college, consider these tips:
- Read your syllabus early. Your syllabus explains how the course is organized, how you'll be graded, important deadlines, and where to find help if you need it.
- Find a note-taking system that works for you. Some students prefer handwritten notes, while others use a laptop, tablet, outlines, color-coding or audio-supported notes when appropriate. Experiment to discover what helps you learn best.
- Break larger assignments into smaller tasks. Using a planner, calendar or reminder app can make projects and readings feel more manageable.
- Complete readings before class whenever possible. If an assignment feels overwhelming, try reading in shorter sessions or focusing on one section at a time. Taking brief notes or highlighting key ideas can make class discussions easier to follow.
- Ask questions and use campus resources. College is designed to challenge you, and no one is expected to figure everything out alone. Professors, teaching assistants, tutors and academic support staff are all available to help.
- Give yourself time to adjust. Learning a new campus, new expectations and new routines takes time. Some class formats may feel easier than others, and that's completely normal. As you gain experience, you'll continue building strategies that help you succeed.
Remember, success in college isn't about learning exactly like everyone else. It's about discovering the strategies, routines and resources that help you learn, grow and achieve your goals.