Attending class regularly is important for success. Attending class not only will reinforce the material that you have studied on your own but also will provide you with additional opportunities for language practice. You’ll have to listen to your instructor and classmates and participate in the discussion. You’ll also have to practice reading what your instructor writes on the board (or displays on a screen) and practice writing by taking notes. The classroom experience provides valuable repetition of key ideas and important facts that you will most likely have to recall or apply on tests and assignments.
Your instructors will expect you to arrive at each class a few minutes before the period begins so the discussion can start at the scheduled time. Make a habit of arriving about five minutes before class begins, and use the time to scan your textbook or review your notes from the previous class or from your reading. It is usually much easier to follow the class discussion—especially if your listening skills are not yet fluent—when you review the material first.
Some instructors require each student to participate orally in class, and some may call on you unexpectedly to answer a question. Being well prepared is your best plan:
Do the reading and homework exercises.
Make some notes to remind yourself of important ideas from the reading.
List questions you have or issues you would like to hear explained or discussed.
Talk to others ahead of time about the content of the lesson.
Some instructors have specific policies on attendance, and some distinguish between an excused absence (as for an illness) and an unexcused absence (as for sleeping late). Absences can negatively affect your grade, so be sure you understand the instructor’s policies.
Related topics:
Reading the syllabus
Understanding the expectations of US classrooms
Participating actively
Getting extra help