Texas A&M University | Division of Academic Affairs

Tips for Success in Class

Strategies for Success

 

  • Attend class every day.
  • Visit your instructor’s office hours or ask for an appointment.
  • Form a study group with your classmates and meet regularly.
  • Study every day. A good rule of thumb is three hours of studying outside of class for every hour you spend in class.
  • Review your textbook or your notes before and after every class meeting.
  • Do not leave homework until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time.
  • Practice solving extra problems. The textbook and Week in Review problems are good sources.
  • Be sure you are prepared to present full solutions to problems, not just answers.
  • Get help if you do not understand concepts presented in class.

Instructor Expectations of Students

Here are some behaviors that instructors expect of good students:

  • Attend class every day.
  • Arrive prepared to learn.
  • Read the course syllabus thoroughly and keep it handy for the entire semester.
  • Check your email or the instructor’s webpage every day. Most faculty email students or post important course information online.
  • When you email your instructor, be sure to use proper English. Include your full name and course section to expedite a response.
  • Be respectful of the learning environment. Enter or leave quietly if you must step out. Abide by the class policy for cell phone usage.
  • Ask questions in class. If you have a question, then it is likely that one of your classmates has the same question.

Student Expectations of Instructors

 Here are some qualities that students can expect of their instructors:

  • Your instructors care about your learning.
  • They welcome your questions and want you to visit office hours.
  • They are aware of common student difficulties and have designed lectures or class activities to help you avoid errors and overcome challenges.
  • They have carefully selected homework problem sets to give you practice on the most important concepts.
  • They will keep you informed of any changes to the syllabus or schedule.

Academic Success Center Tutoring

  • The mission of the Academic Success Center is to provide comprehensive resources that help all Aggies achieve their academic goals and realize their academic potential. 
  • The Academic Success Center has programs that teach study strategies, organization and time management, note-taking, test-taking strategies, and much more. 
  • You can visit the Academic Success Center's website to find out more about the services they offer.