The most common method of instruction is the classroom lecture. It is important for the student to contribute to discussions in the classroom. In this country, by contrast, questioning or challenging the professor is viewed as a healthy sign of interest, attention, and independent thinking. In many classes, your grade will be determined in part by your contributions to class discussion. When the class is too large to permit questions and discussion, or if for some reason you do not have the opportunity to raise questions in class, you can visit privately with the professor during his or her office hours or make an appointment to see the professor.
Professors usually announce their office hours at the first meeting of the class.
If your lecture class is very large, the professor may structure one or two discussion sections per week. Attendance is required for these sections. Grades are usually based on class participation. The seminar is a small class at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. It is likely to be devoted entirely to discussion.