What should I ask professors about how classes are taught?
Ask how much of the course consists of lectures, exercises, laboratory work, or group work; how attendance and participation are treated; how much preparation and review is expected; how assignments and exams are graded; and when students can ask questions or receive feedback. Also ask about online participation, required materials, and available learning support, then compare the answers with the course syllabus and other official information because practices can differ by course.
Key points
- Check the balance among lectures, exercises, laboratory work, and group activities.
- Ask how attendance and participation are treated and how assignments and exams are assessed.
- Ask about expected preparation, opportunities for questions and feedback, materials, and learning support.
Things to check
- Teaching methods can differ by university, faculty, course, and instructor, so verify the answers against the syllabus and other official information.