If you wish to succeed on exams or in writing papers, you must take down in-class comments and explanations that are not in textbooks and that reveal the focus the professor is giving to the material. You can then use these notes to decide what material the professor will focus on in his or her exams and what he or she believes you should focus on in your papers. It is extremely valuable to review your notes after class and on the same day, when your memory is fresh. Attendance and participation. Regular attendance is essential for success in this or any class.
Some professors require and grade attendance.
I grade participation because I feel that you your effort to participate will encourage you to raise questions about your arguments and to seek to improve your ability to make better arguments. A minimum of courtesy means that students arrive to class on time. Most professors are upset if students dribble in after the hour begins, although we generally understand that, from time to time, a student might be unable to avoid arriving late. Guidelines for discussion in and outside of groups. Academic Freedom gives you the right to voice your opinions in class, no matter what they may be, if they are relevant to the subject matter and if you do not do so in a disruptive manner.