Study Skills: How To Get The Most Out Of Lectures

Study Skills: How To Get The Most Out Of Lectures

What are lectures?

Lectures offer an overview of your course and will introduce you to the main topics, themes and debates in the subject you are studying. One of the most important ways to get the most out of your lectures is to make sure you go to them, on time, and prepared.

How to prepare for lectures

In order to get the most out of your lectures, you should make sure that you’re prepared.

  • Understand the module you’re on

Do seminars prepare you for the lecture or do they follow up what was covered in the lecture? The answer to this will make a difference to how you approach the lecture.

  • Know in advance where lectures will be held

If they are in a different place every week make sure you know where the correct lecture theatre for each week is. Check emails and timetables ahead of time to ensure you’re up to date with any changes.

  • Check to see if you need to prepare anything

Most lecturers will ask you to come having completed specific readings or tasks before the lecture. See these as an extension of the lecture. Completing these will ensure you have an understanding of the topic or questions to ask, and will help to build your confidence as the course progresses.

During lectures

The more active and engaged you can be during the lecture, the more you will get out of it.

  • Arrive on time

If you’re stressed from running late you will be less focused on the information given in the lecture.

  • Listening is more important than note taking

You will often be engaging with complex debates therefore, don’t be tempted to write down everything said in the lecture (see the Effective note taking guide). Instead look out for key words and phrases.

  • Don’t just copy down slides from the board

Most lecturers will provide copies of the slides before or after the lectures or as handouts during the lectures. If you have a copy of these at the start of the lecture use them as a basis for your notes and build them up as key ideas and debates are discussed.

  • Don’t worry if you miss information
Ask other students after (not during!) the lecture if you think you missed something key. Leave a space, or even better, a question in your notes to remind yourself that there’s information you need to check.
Back to top