This is a repost of this article posted on LinkedIn. With thanks to Rushana Khusainova for sharing this with us.
Large lecture teaching has its roots in ancient education systems. In Greek and Roman forums, philosophers spoke to thousands of people in open spaces. Today, large lectures remain a cornerstone of university education worldwide, though there’s a gradual shift toward integrating digital technologies and online or hybrid teaching modes.
There’s still a strong argument for in-person teaching events like large lectures. Being surrounded by other humans fosters a sense of connection and belonging. Studying alongside like-minded individuals helps build a community, and attending campus in person has been shown to positively impact student attainment.
That said, large lectures come with their challenges—especially staying engaged and fully present in a big hall, especially when some students may be chatting and the sound volume may not be optimal. While there’s plenty of advice for educators on how to engage students in such settings, there’s far less guidance for students who want to maximize their learning in these environments. Below are some practical tips to help you stay focused and make the most of large lecture experiences.
Before the lecture
1. Arrive early
Arriving early helps you feel prepared and puts you in the right mindset. Plus, you’ll get to choose the seat you prefer.
2. Sit in the front rows
These seats are generally the most conducive to staying engaged, as there are fewer distractions.
3. Put away your smartphone If you don’t need it for the lecture, keep your phone out of sight. Research shows that even having your smartphone visible can reduce cognitive performance.
During the lecture
1. Be proactive
Participate in quizzes or activities, and if you feel confident, answer questions posed by the lecturer out loud.
2. Ask questions Use Q&A opportunities to clarify your understanding. Actively engaging in discussions improves learning and retention.
3. Take a break If there’s a break during the lecture, use the time to stretch your legs or take a short walk to refresh your mind.
4. Make real-world connections Link what you’re learning in the lecture to observations from your everyday life. This helps you retain new knowledge and apply it meaningfully.
After the lecture
1. Reflect on your key takeaway Identify one key thing you learned and mentally note it for later review.
2. Engage with the lecturer Approach the lecturer to ask follow-up questions or share feedback. If you enjoyed the lecture, let them know—it’s always appreciated!
General tips
1. Stay hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle to keep you hydrated.
2. Follow a routine
Establish a daily schedule so that your brain is primed for learning during lectures.
3. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises can help improve focus and reduce distractions during lectures.
4. Embrace single-tasking
Human brains cannot multitask. Instead, it switches between tasks, which is extremely draining for our mental energy resources. Human brains cannot multitask. Instead, it switches between tasks, which is extremely draining for our mental energy resources.
Finally, remember your motivation for being in the lecture. You’ll need catch up on the materials eventuallyanyway, so why not engage fully while you’re already there? Use the opportunity to develop your skills, deepen your knowledge, and make the most of your time.
