Class Participation

One of your primary objectives should be to participate actively in your subjects and try to learn as much as possible about the material covered in each of your classes.

Part of being an informed class participant is being prepared and ensuring that you meet class objectives.

Proactive class participants should keep in mind the following:

• Pay close attention to your subject syllabi, which will list required assignments, project due dates, etc.
  
  
• Be prepared for lecture so that you know the topics that will be covered and you can participate knowledgeably in any class discussion.
  
  
• When in doubt, always remember to ask questions. Address your concerns during class, if appropriate, or seek your professor's assistance after class, during recitation or during office hours. Resolving your concerns early in the class should help you grasp the material.
  
  
• Begin work on your assignments well before they are due, so that you aren't trying to complete them at the last minute.
  
  
• If your classes have recitations, be sure to attend them. These sessions will help you solidify your understanding of material covered and afford you an opportunity to ask questions or obtain extra help. If you feel that the teaching style of your recitation doesn't meet your learning needs or find that your recitation section conflicts with one of your classes, talk with the department's academic administrator regarding switching sections.
  
  
• If you need to miss a class, try to make arrangements with your professor to turn in any assignments prior to the missed class. Check with a classmate to obtain class notes for the missed lecture.
  
  
• If you need to be absent from an exam, inform your instructor. Inquire about arrangements for a make-up. Note: make-ups may not always be possible, depending upon the nature of your absence.
  
  
• If you feel that you are struggling with any of your classes, seek help from tutors, attend study sessions, or consult the Learning Strategies site.

Your MIT education, like so many things in life, is what you make of it. So, make the most of your undergraduate experience by actively participating in your classes.

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