What was it like adjusting to a larger classroom?
I'm used to relatively small and quiet classes. I want to know what the transition is like and how you adapted to it. Was it harder to learn in large auditoriums and was it difficult to hear and understand the professor? #college-advice #classroom #learning
3 answers
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Emily! I am a recent graduate of a Big 10 University and large classes can be a real challenge! I would recommend trying to take some of the large lecture classes in your sophomore and junior year. I found it helpful with the college transition to take the smaller size classes in my freshman year. That being said, college scheduling can be really challenging and you might be like me and end up in a Calculus class with 300+ people your first semester of college. If you are feeling overwhelmed or nervous about a large class size definitely meet with the professor. He/she can help connect you with TAs and other students in the lecture! There is no doubt that large classes can be tough but try to connect with others and the class will feel much more comfortable.
Jordan’s Answer
If you are worried I would proactively sit close to the front so you can see and hear everything being displayed or discussed and can follow along easily.
Sitting upfront also allows you to participate, most large courses professors will ask for student interaction usually from the closer rows and you will get more of a education by participating.
You can also read before class and prep so when you attend that larger class you are more up to speed and can spend your time comprehending rather than learning new, which may help in that larger setting.
Then I would say study groups are a great thing as well make some friends and get together to talk about the subject at the library once a week.
Matt’s Answer
Large classes often tend to be quiet (except for people moving around at the start and end) because people tend to want to blend in with the crowd.
As Isabel suggests, you want to connect with your TA. If you large class breaks into sections, it's really your section that is similar to the classes you are familiar with--smaller, more interactive, more personal.