Structure of a College Class

We previously shared some Tips for Success in an Online College Course.  In that article, we provided specific ways to help you transition from the high school classroom to the college classroom. Today, we would like to provide a few additional details regarding the structure of a college classroom.

Comparison

In general, high school classes are structured.  In class, a high school teacher may conduct a thorough review of the homework, teach the exact concepts taught in the text, assign homework, remind students about upcoming assignments, and provide a study guide to prepare for the next exam.  College courses aren’t generally as structured.

Lectures, Readings, and Exams

In a live college course, a professor may lecture about a portion the assigned readings and hold a discussion about the lecture.  In an online course, the professor may assign materials for the week and conduct a virtual discussion.  In either scenario, the college students are responsible for all of the assigned materials, regardless if the professor discussed it in class.  This means that you could possibly see concepts from assigned readings or videos on an exam that you did not discuss in your college course.

Study Guides

In most cases, the college professor will not provide a study guide to help students prepare for the exam.  Students are responsible for all assigned material, even if not discussed in class.  College students may see concepts on exams or quizzes that were assigned, but not discussed.   This often means that students should be prepared for a significant amount of independent learning in college.

Note Packets

In some high school classes, students receive a note packet, a detailed document that includes all of the teacher’s notes for the current unit.  Students are then expected to actively listen to the lecture, while occasionally adding a comment to the details in the note packet.  In a college course, students generally do not receive a note packet.  College students are expected to actively listen to the lecture, while also taking notes.  Even in an online course, students are expected to be active learners, taking notes on the assigned reading materials, videos, etc.

Assignments

Additionally, assignments, projects, papers, etc. may be assigned in the syllabus, and college students are expected to complete these requirements independently and outside of class time.  In high school, teachers may permit students to work on such assignments in class and provide feedback along the way.  In college, however, professors will most likely expect such work to be completed independently.  Please note that most professors are happy to answer questions and address your concerns, but it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the contact with the professor, generally during office hours or via e-mail.

You Can Do This!

Understanding the differences between college and high school and taking responsibility for your own learning are great ways to help you to be successful in your college classes.

Also, please remember that your professors and advisors at Grove City College are a wonderful resource and are here to help you succeed.  Please reach out to them with any questions or concerns that you may have.

You can do this!