You need to study at least 2 to 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class. You often need to read or hear presentations only once to learn all you need to learn about them. You need to review class notes and text material regularly. You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed, and often re-taught, in class. You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class.
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.
Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. A particular course may have only 2 or 3 tests in a semester. Makeup tests are often available. Teachers frequently rearrange test dates to avoid conflict with school events.