What to Expect in the Classroom More than Listening The most common method of instruction here is the classroom lecture. Students are expected to contribute to the discussion in the classroom. In this country, by contrast, questioning or challenging the teacher is viewed as a healthy sign of interest, attention, and independent thinking. In many classes your grade will be determined in part by your contribution to class discussion. If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to raise questions in class, you can visit privately with teachers during their office hours or make an appointment to see them.
Teachers usually announce their office hours at the first meeting of the class.
The seminar is a small class, typical at the graduate level. It is likely to be devoted entirely to discussion. Students are often required to prepare presentations for the seminar, based on their independent reading or research. Laboratories Many courses require work in a laboratory, where the theory learned in a classroom is applied to practical problems. If you are unfamiliar with using lab equipment, the lab assistant can help you.