A Student's Guide to Different Types of Courses (And How To Handle Them)

By Rachel Dranetz on September 15, 2017

As a college student, the first thing you come to discover is that no class is exactly like another. There are many factors that go into the classroom experience you get: school and department resources, course subject, class materials, classroom size, professors. These all determine a course’s interactivity level, coursework matter, and classroom proceedings. These are the factors that distinguish your college experience while taking classes, and it’s what determines the difference between a 300-student general biology lecture from a 12-student creative writing workshop.

Naturally, certain types of students prefer specific types of classes. While some might prefer active, discussion-based classes with lots of groupwork, other might prefer a more standard lecture where they can independently take notes and complete assignments.

Of course, the type of class you take isn’t always up to you. Because of things such as the course subject and material, some courses are just going to be how they’re going to be. Hard science courses are most likely going to be heavily reliant on textbooks and lectures. Speech courses are going to require some level of participation. Math courses are more likely than not, going to have lots of tests and quizzes. (Ugh.)

But regardless, there are ways to get through classes even though they don’t suit you as a student. Here’s a quick guide to different types of courses you may have to take, with tips on how to not only survive, but succeed.

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The Anonymous Class: Heavy Lecture Courses

Unless you go to a very small school with a very small pool of students, you probably have taken a class that falls into this category. (If you haven’t, prepare yourself.) Many of these classes are either required, or just very in demand. Most general science and math courses are heavy lecture classes, because the large majority of college students need to pass a standard level in both in order to graduate. These classes can have hundreds of students per class, and are generally held in large lecture halls. In fact, these classes are so big, that it’s easy to blend in and even easier to get lost.

It’s difficult to stand out to your professor when he/she has more students than there are stars in the sky. And because for the most part the class consists of following along to a power point, and your teacher’s lecturing is pretty much reliant on a microphone that is only as dependable as the school’s budget allows, it’s really easy to fall behind.

Tips:

1. Be proactive.

Let’s face it, the only way you’re going to be able to get the help you need is to actively seek out help. Go to office hours, or look into tutoring. Most schools provide both of these resources for free- all you have to do is ask.

2. Attend class!!

Even though this type of class might not take an official attendance, it is never a good idea to just skip. Being present for lessons, in-class assignments, and tests/quizzes, is vital in being able to pass any class.

3. Use your time wisely.

It’s super easy to slack off in such a large lecture class, particularly since laptops and cell phones are normally allowed. But really, what’s the point in physically attending class, if you’re not in attendance mentally?

4. If you follow these tips and you are still worried, try asking your classmates for help.

There’s a lot of people in your class; one of them is bound to know how to help you. Try reaching out and asking for help. Or try making a study group, or even a group chat for people in your class.

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The Average-Joe Class: Standard Lecture Courses

Most classes fall into this category. Standard class sizes of between 25 and 45, held in standard-sized classrooms, taught by one professor, with the strong possibility of a whiteboard and/or projection screen being used. These courses are just a smaller scale version of the ‘Anonymous Class’, and are heavily reliant on course readings, assignments, and lectures.

Tips:

1. Get to know your professor.

In classes of this size, getting to know your professor isn’t impossible. Not only does this mean you can ask questions on lessons or assignments, it also means that you have a possible connection to a professor for any future recommendations or opportunities. Teachers are people too, and they’ll remember you for making an effort.

2. Be prepared!

Despite your classroom being small and probably a little cramped, you’ll still be expected to take notes and follow along with the lesson. The more effective way to do this, is to organize your space efficiently. Make a routine set-up for your seat during your class, so not only do you know where everything is, but it will be easier to keep up with the actual lecture.

3. Do your research.

Since the classes are normally taken commonly, previous students have likely left some sort of review for both the course, and even your professor! Before setting yourself to a course, do some research. Is your professor a good speaker? Were the tests unreasonably difficult? If you don’t think a class is the right fit for you, you can try switching to an alternative class.

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The Speech Class: Participation-Based Courses

You may be required to take an oral-competency class, whether you like it or not. Despite how it may seem when you walk into such a lively classroom, a lot of students have problems with public speaking.

Tips:

1. Prepare!

Really, the absolute most important step you can take to doing a presentation, is to be plenty prepared. If you’re not good at public speaking, it makes sense that you do as much as you can outside of it. Do your research, plan out your speech, and practice, practice, practice! Write up your speech on note cards, then try testing it out in the mirror. Get used to speaking, then try it on someone you feel more comfortable with; a close friend, your roommate, or even a family member. There might even be people in your class with the same concerns as you, who might want a buddy or a group to practice with.

2. Ask for help.

If you’ve tried the above and still have concerns, try talking to your professor. Anyone who has taught a speech class will get it, because lots of students have this problem. Try going to office hours, talking to your professor after class, or even just emailing them. They might be able to offer you some invaluable advice!

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The Interactive Experience:  Small Classroom Courses

The further along in your academic path you go, the more specialized your classes will become. Eventually, most of your class will be small, with students mainly in the same major as you, and a professor who is an expert in their field.

Tips:

1. Get involved.

With a class this size, it’s really easy to get to know your classmates, as well as your professor. Having other students with the same interests (major-wise, anyways) as you can not only be good for making friends, but also for flourishing in your classroom academically. Get involved in class discussions, assignments, and study groups outside of class. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a classmate, or even your professor! Get to know the people involved in your major- you might have to take another class with them in the future.

2. Keep up.

Classes like these are often much more narrowed in topic, and because of this they can also be much more difficult. Make sure to attend class and keep up with the lessons. Do your homework, follow along in class, and if you’re still having problems, reach out to a classmate of your professor for help. The farther behind you fall, the more difficult it is to catch up.

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The Language Class: Language Courses

Most students will have a language competency requirement to fulfill. Just know that language classes are more credits than the average class, because the coursework is more rigorous. Learning an entirely new language is no easy feat!

Tips:

1. Don’t fall behind.

This class will probably have a lot of assignments, quizzes, and tests. It can be a slippery slope to miss any of these assignments or to miss class, because they help prepare you to not only speak the language, but also to pass tests! As much as it may be, pay attention in class, do your work, and study!

2. Practice makes perfect!

The best way to master a new language, is to practice it. Repeatedly. Try practicing your skills with a classmate, or someone you know who speaks the language fluently. You’ll find that not only does it improve your pronunciation, but it also improves your understanding.

3. Perfect your schedule.

This class will probably require a fair amount of effort- with rigorous homework, projects, and tests/quizzes. Make sure you can handle it. Are you also working full-time? Are you taking too many difficult classes? It’s good to challenge yourself, but make sure you can actually pass everything you’re taking. There’s no shame in knowing your own limits!

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The Campfire Class: Small Workshop Courses

Workshops classes can cover a variety of different subjects, but are normally very specific to whatever class you’re taking it for. Whatever the workshop happens to be in, more than likely there’s going to be a lot of ‘sitting in a circle and discussing’.

Tips:

1. Don’t panic!

This class is probably the most similar to the ‘Interactive Experience’ class. The only difference being that instead of discussing a lesson, your class might be discussing student work. (Yes, that includes you!) Just remember that everyone in your class has to go through the same thing, and that everyone really is just trying to help you improve.

2. Be constructive.

There’s a fine line between being constructive and being critical. The point of a workshop isn’t to point out how stupid a student is; it’s to discuss what they’ve been doing well and how they can improve their work. Make sure to include both when you offer critique!

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The “Don’t Touch That!” Class: Lab Courses

Labs. They’re unavoidable in most schools, and particularly for STEM students (basically all math, science, and technology majors), labs are required for many of the courses you have to take.

Tips:

1. Follow directions.

Rather elementary advice, yes, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Make sure you’re doing your lab correctly by reading/listening closely. If you mess up, your whole assignment grade could suffer. Also, you could explode your classroom. Regulations are there not only to help you learn, but also to keep you safe!

2. Not sure? Just ask!

Lab courses aren’t always as easy as making baking soda volcanoes. If you’re not sure about something- like how to do an assignment, or how to do a lab- you really should ask for help. The consequences of messing up a lab could affect your grade, because you can’t exactly undo science!

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Whatever class you find yourself taking, there are always going to be people and school resources around to help you succeed. It is well within your university’s best interests to provide you with the tools to learn (and to pass), but this isn’t high school, and there will be no hand-holding. As intimidating as it may be, as a fully capable (though often clumsy) young adult, you are going to have to learn to help yourself- to work for your goals, and also to make sure the goals you’ve set are worth working for.

But your school believes you can do it! (Hint: that’s probably why they let you in.) No matter what type of classes you take, there are ways to not only pass, but flourish.

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