Learning objectives

College Overview

“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes . . . and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” –Eleanor Roosevelt, politician and activist

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• 
  Identify differences in class delivery and compare strategies for success in each type
  
• 
  Identify differences in types of classes within your degree plan, such as electives and core requirements
  
• 
  Explain how to access individual course policies and college-wide policies
  
• 
  Identify major college resources and how to use them when needed
  

Course Delivery Formats
Choices. And more choices. If college success is about anything, it’s about the choices you need to make in order to succeed. What do you want to learn? How do you want to learn it? Who do you want to learn it with and where? When do you learn best?
As part of the many choices you will make in college, you will often be able to select the format in which your college classes are offered. The list below illustrates some of the main formats you may choose. Some formats lend themselves more readily to certain subjects. Others are based on how instructors believe the content can most effectively be delivered. Knowing a bit about your options can help you select your best environments for learning.
Lecture
Lecture-style courses are likely the most common course format, at least historically. In lecture courses, the professor’s main goal is to share a large amount of information, ideas, principles, and/or resources. Lecture-style courses often include discussions and other interaction with your fellow students.
Tip: Students can best succeed in this environment with dedicated study habits, time-management skills, note-taking skills, reading skills, and active-listening skills. If you have questions, be sure to ask them during class. Meet with your instructor during office hours to get help on what you don’t understand, and ensure that you’re prepared for exams or other graded projects.