Get the most from lectures

Being prepared for a lecture

To make the most of a lecture, whether it’s online or in-person, you must be prepared for the topics being discussed and take effective notes that will make sense to you when you come to revise. It’s not enough to just turn up and listen – you must engage with the session to get the most out of it.

Before the lecture begins, decide how you will take notes:

• Will you be writing by hand, or typing them?
• What note-taking style will you use?

In addition to completing any set reading ahead of your lectures, you can prepare by reviewing your notes from the previous lecture, seminar, or workshop and by reading through any slides posted on Blackboard (if they are available in advance) to get you thinking about the topics that will be covered.

Your lecturers

Be aware that lectures are often large, therefore seminars will give you better opportunities to get to know your lecturers.

You will need to understand them, and sometimes it takes a while to become accustomed to an accent or mode of speaking.

Remember that your lecturer is an expert and can be a great resource in your subject, the more you spend time with them, the more you learn. But remember they are busy and most students only ask to see lecturers around assignment time.