Information for First Year Students
Types of classes
Lectures are the most common type of large group learning environments. Depending on what courses you are studying, you may also attend small group learning environments such as:
- Laboratories (science-based subjects)
- Studios (creative-based subjects)
- Tutorials
Attending classes is essential
Attending your lectures and other classes is fundamental to your learning.
During class you absorb information by hearing, seeing and experiencing the content. You can’t replace this learning experience by reading other students’ notes, notes on LEARN or listening to a recording.
By being present you can pick up on the material your teacher emphasises. You will also hear other students’ questions and your lecturer’s and tutor's answers.
Participate in your classes
It's very important to:
- Turn up to your classes on time
- Complete any tasks set before the class
- Participate as much as possible...
Participating means:
- Asking questions
- Joining in discussions
- Involving yourself in activities
- Being an active thinker (questioning and analysing what you hear)
Taking notes
You may be given hard copy handouts of notes or told to access them on LEARN. You should always be prepared to take your own notes.
It’s also a good idea to work out a system for organising and summarising the information you learn for each class. It makes it easier when it comes time to complete an assignment or prepare for exams. The Learning Skills Centre can help you with this.
What you should expect at your first lecture
Expect your lecture to be in a large theatre or auditorium with up to a few hundred students. If there is another lecture going on in the room, be ready for a mass exit of students before you can go in.
Lectures begin on the hour until 1pm when lectures begin at 10 minutes past the hour.
Find a seat and introduce yourself to the people beside you. This is the easiest time to meet other students because you are all new and want to meet people.
Get out some paper and pens and turn your mobile phone off.
The lecturer will introduce themselves and give you information about what will happen over the next 50 minutes.
It’s very important to complete your coursework and hand it in on time. It’s easier to keep up, rather than catch up.
Workload
You will only have minimal contact time with lecturers and tutors. But for every hour you spend in class you will probably need to spend one or two hours working on your own:
- Reading through notes
- Preparing your assignments
- Writing laboratory reports
- Doing research in the library
- For exam periods and assignment due dates you will need to allow more time
Independent Learner
You need to be responsible for knowing when assignments are due, when tests will be held etc. Once you receive your course outline (during the first lecture of each course) note all these dates in your calendar. No one else will do this for you and you may not be reminded about them by your lecturer.
Part of ‘independent’ learning means you may need to seek help at times. Do this early – don’t leave it until too late.
The coursework is meant to challenge you – so don’t worry if you find it difficult. Get all the help you can. Don’t struggle in silence. If the going gets tough:
- If you encounter academic difficulty with a course, your first step is to make an appointment with your lecturer or tutor outside of class. Being part of a study group for each class is another good source of support.
- If you are failing assignments, seek help immediately. Talk to your College Student Advisor. You can also contact the Learning Skills Centre for assistance with your academic writing / study skills.
If you drop a course without formally withdrawing you will get a fail grade permanently on your academic record. To avoid this situation you should formally withdraw from the course during the permitted period. To withdraw properly, you must by the deadline log onto UC Student Web and submit a change of enrolment. See key course dates for full information on application to enrol, official course start and end dates, refund and withdrawal dates.
Academic Staff are committed to helping you get the most out of your study. They're passionate about their subjects and welcome your questions and input. They’ll tell you when they're available and where you can find them. Many have regular office hours – you can go and see them in their offices and get help.
You may be offered regular tutorials, review lectures, special help labs or workshops. Make a note of what's available for each class so you can get help quickly when you need it.
How Academic Staff can help you
Academic Staff are able to:
- Look at your draft assignment
- Discuss laboratory results
- Answer questions about coursework material
- Explain something you didn’t understand in class
- Give feedback on an idea or theory
If you email your lecturer or tutor, make sure you:
- Explain clearly what you need
- Address them politely
- Include your name and Student ID
Before you meet your lecturer or tutor, review the material and write down your questions. Allow plenty of time before the assignment is due.
Academic Staff titles
Academic Staff may have titles you are not used to, such as Professor or Doctor. These titles relate to their academic ranking.
- Professors are the highest-ranking academic. They will be widely published and well known within their discipline and in many cases, considered a world expert
- Graduate Teaching Assistants are likely to be a student studying for a postgraduate degree
- Senior Tutors provide important support for first-year students
Academic Staffs' involvement in research
It’s important to understand that many of your lecturers and tutors will also be involved in research activities.
- Some of your lecturers are respected around the world for their knowledge and research, and their work will be widely published and quoted.
- Your lecturers will share their latest findings and perspectives with you.
- Their research attracts lecturers from other top universities around the world, who will often present to you.
- Your lecturers' research helps develop the University of Canterbury’s international reputation, and adds value to any qualification from the University.
- The research also generates significant income for the University.
After each lecture you should:
- re-read your notes
- identify anything you don’t understand
- use the resources available to master the information—there are quiet places to work in the libraries and the Student Hub.
You may want to re-write or sort your notes so they will be easier to use for assignments and exams.
Try explaining the content of the lecture out loud to reinforce the information and identify parts you need to review.
Complete any readings before the next lecture, to help you:
- understand the lecture
- write good notes
- focus on areas you find difficult.
The pressure increases as soon as you are given assignments, so try to master these skills early on.