What are major difference between college and high school classes?
As an incoming college freshman, I am wondering what are major differences between college and high school classes? (Size of class, volume and difficulty of material, teaching styles, etc.) #college #high-school-classes
3 answers
Carol’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
In my opinion, one of the biggest differences between high school classes and college classes is that college is much more independent. Below are a few differences:
- In general, college professors will not take attendance or check in on you. College students are expected to be accountable for coming to class, studying and doing independent work.
- Most likely you will have a combination of larger class and smaller discussions with teaching assistants. Some of my classes were held in auditoriums with 100s of students to one professor.
- Professors and their teaching assistants hold optional office hours which students can attend for extra help.
- The course work does tend to be more challenging.
- Generally are a few major exams that make up most of your grade for the semester.
Regards,
Carol
Wow, I love how you answered this question so personally!
It completely feels like you told your personal experience, which is what I think is crucial for questions like these.
Tiffany
Kelsey’s Answer
I think the biggest difference is the amount of work you are expected to put in outside of the class room. Most college classes only meet 2 or 3 days a week, so you can't expect your teacher to tell you everything you need to know. I had a huge shock Freshman year because I attended every class, I paid attention and took really good notes, but I failed my first test. There were all these questions about things the professor hadn't covered in class, and when I spoke to him about my "unfair" grade he pointed out that all the answers were covered in the weekly reading assignments. In college you are expected to be responsible, so when the professor assigns a chapter to read they assume you read it and don't bother covering that material a second time in class.
That's how it is? That's very interesting! I always wondered why students always seemed stressed and occupied with studying and all that, when it seems it's because there is a lot of independent study going on!
Your response is awesome. It gave me insight on a few things that I didn't know about.
Tiffany
Ken’s Answer
Hi Sarah!
You asked a very important question. Here are some attempts to answer that question. I hope that you find them helpful.
http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-differences-between-high-school-college
http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/ptn/2014/08/college-freshmen.aspx
http://www.shepherd.edu/ctl/firstyearexperience/DifferencesBetweenHighSchoolCollege%20(2).pdf