University lectures
Top tips
for success
What should you expect and how can
you get the most from them?
Get a head start
Use the course handbook
to see what is coming and
read ahead. Make full use
of pre-lecture notes and
downloads.
Catherine Smith helps guide you through the transition
from school to university learning
Let’s start by looking at what happens in a lecture.
The format is surprisingly flexible and the content and
style will depend on the individual lecturer. Material
may be presented using PowerPoint or a tablet PC
or the lecturer may simply talk, perhaps making
odd notes on a whiteboard or blackboard. In most
cases lectures will be accompanied by some form of
handout. These may contain copies of the PowerPoint
slides, perhaps containing blanks for you to make
notes as the lecture progresses.
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Initially, you will find it difficult to know whether simply
to sit and listen or to write copious quantities of notes.
This is a personal thing. What is important is that you
actively engage with the content. Learning is not a
passive activity and by being in the lecture theatre, the
knowledge does not simply diffuse into your brain! As
you listen, challenge what you are hearing. Link the
material to your previous knowledge on the subject.
Does it make sense? Do you agree?
What next?
The end of the lecture is just the start of the learning
process. At school, most of the learning happens in
the lesson, at university the lecture is where it begins.
Workshops, labs and tutorials add to your learning but
The first university lectures were delivered in medieval
it is equally important that you work independently as
times. The lecture was little more than reading a book
in front of others. It represented a practical and efficient well. As soon as you can after the lecture, you should
way to distribute information at a time when books were review your notes.
both rare and expensive.
In many departments you will find reading material,
resources, maybe even video recordings of the lecture on
You will be pleased to know that lectures have moved
the university’s virtual learning environment. Make use of
on somewhat since then. Unfortunately however, they
these. If you are not sure where to start, try highlighting
do still represent an efficient means of transferring
key phrases from the lecture and look these up in
information from teacher to learner.
the recommended textbooks. This will give you more
Welcome to lectures!
information and examples beyond the lecture material.
Lecture sizes vary hugely depending on course and
If all this sounds scary, don’t worry. Your university is
institution, so don’t be surprised to find another two
very aware of the challenges the new environment and
hundred freshers in your first lecture. In these big
way of learning presents to you. In the first few weeks,
lectures, the lecturer can’t possibly interact with you as
most departments provide workshops on key study
an individual as well as your school or college teacher
did. It is now very much up to you to be responsible for skills. Look out for these and make sure you attend,
even if it means missing a party!
your own learning. But what does this mean?
www.rsc.org/TheMole
0412MOLE - Pages 4-11.indd 7
Be active in your
learning
Think critically and
challenge your
understanding. Don’t be a
lecture sponge!
Remember the lecture is
just the beginning
Develop your
understanding by reading
around the subject and
applying the learning to
other contexts.
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Remember – it's
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July 2012 | The Mole | 7
6/11/2012 3:22:05 PM