Among these are good preparation, active participation in class discussion, attentiveness, being responsive to the professor's questions and seeking clarification of ideas and concepts where needed. In a laboratory environment, the excellent student would also be actively involved, not only in group experiments but also in assisting other students who might find difficulty in completing experiments or interpreting results. Moreover, especially in upper-level classes, he or she will often do more than is expected, particularly through use of the library to avail of knowledge beyond what can be obtained through assigned reading only. In this way the student will acquire a familiarity with bibliography and professional journals either in the chosen field or in any other subject area inviting the student's interest. By using information gained in this way, the student can enhance and broaden classroom discussion and excel in examinations.
Good preparation requires prior reading of textbook assignments.
Armed with this, one is best prepared to understand the lecture fully, to ask questions, to request additional detail or explanations and, most certainly, be ready for quizzes and exams. When a student performs in this manner, it is a clear demonstration of classroom excellence, especially when his or her contribution motivates others to become involved. Active participation by students makes for a lively class session. Too often professors are confronted by a wall of silence when they invite student participation. The excellent student will always be the one to respond to questions.