How often do you go to lectures?

[jgauger]

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So I've been going to lecture less and less. I only have three classes and then research.
I skip one class because it's prety straightforward from the text and I've learned a lot of it already, another class posts podcasts and lecture slides w/ audio, and the third is a stats class that is really easy. I spend my time in lab most days istead or do other things with my time like taking my dog to the park or riding bike.
I'm doing fine in all of my classes and I actually have time for my research and having a life. Am I alone on this? I know this is common in med school where classes are usually webcasted, but what about undergrad? I've gotten all A's on exams thus far.
This is my third year and I have gone to almost all lectures for the first two years.

 

[sgtbrushes]

If you maintain a 4.0 with not going to lectures, then do it. You have good independent study skills. I go to my Calc lecture pretty much every time (non-traditional student, first semester back, haven't used math skills in 7 years), but I never go to my sociology lecture.

 

[armybound]

My undergrad had a mandatory 90% attendance policy, so I got used to going to class. I still go to class in med school, with the exception of maybe 1-3 lectures per week (or less)

 

[BlueElmo]

Sometimes...

 

[jka0067]

Almost all of the time. I find that the more I attend classes, the less I have to study on my own time. This is especially true for nonscience courses.

 

[Tatastrophy]

I feel guilty when I don't go.
Even if it is a throwaway class
:\

 

[Quantum Mecha]

Some of my classes are heavily based on notes, others are just too difficult to self study.

Granted I am studying Engineering, so this may be due to the nature of the material.

There was one 8am class that I had where people came for the first two weeks, and then less and less came. By the end of the semester there were 15~20 people in a lecture hall for 70+. Come exam time there were not enough seats for everyone haha.

 

[La Doctora]

I go to my lectures every single class meeting, regardless if I know how boring it'll be. There's always something you miss when you miss class, and with one of my teachers during my freshman year, she would say things in class that weren't in the book but would end up on the test. Needless to say, all my friends who were skipping didn't do as well simply because they skipped info by not attending. One time she mentioned an exam we were having, and some people who had skipped that day walked in unprepared for it because of that.

 

[Poliscidoc]

Damn it, small liberal arts college. Can't miss more than two classes or you will be knocked a whole letter grade..

 

[jvesco22]

I feel guilty when I don't go.
Even if it is a throwaway class
:\

x2

 

[roseglass6370]

Damn it, small liberal arts college. Can't miss more than two classes or you will be knocked a whole letter grade..

Yep. My case exactly. I transferred from Ohio State to a small liberal arts college and it's a whole different story. We get points just for going to class, which is nice, except when you don't feel like going. 🙁

...however, I also panic when I skip classes, afraid I might've missed something important.

 

[lstone13]

I feel guilty when I don't go.
Even if it is a throwaway class
:\

Same here. I hate skipping class. I only do it if there is no way around it.

 

[Tatastrophy]

Same here. I hate skipping class. I only do it if there is no way around it.

its pretty obnoxious when the class is supposed to have 200 ppl and only 20 show up.
if you come every day and then once you can't make it....it will be noticed
arrrggg



btws have you heard the "Taylor the latte boy" song by Cheno?!?!? If not-I think you'd appreciate as a fellow Wicked fan.

 

[jgauger]

I undersatand feeling guilty for not going, I do too which is the reason I made this poll. I don't undrstand going even if you know it will be a waste of time though. Attendance is not an issue, all of my lectures have 250+ students and its not required. Like I said though, I have gotten all A's so far on the 4 exams I've taken. I went to 0 lectures for one of them and scored higher than my three friends who never miss lecture. I think it depends on whether the lecturer deviates far from the book or not. Personally, I spend too much time in lecture trying to write down every detail that I don't actually learn the concepts and I have to go back and read the book anyways to understand what I was writing. I can learn in 20 min reading the book what was covered in 50 min of lecture.

 

[ziggydoc]

Depends on the classes, I actually almost never went to my A&P or Biochem classes just because they were early, and I study better/faster on my own compared to lectures. But I went to most of my psych classes just cuz they were too small for me to skip. But honestly, I maintained a 4.0. So I think it really just depends on how you study. For me sleeping in another hour and skipping lecture is worth it cuz I know I will put that time in when I am more awake later at night.

 

[argonaute]

i hardly ever go to lecture unless it is a class that absolutely requires it (e.g. a history class on an esoteric topic without a textbook). my opinion is that lectures really are a time-inefficient way to learn, and studying by yourself is much quicker. this way, you have more time during the day to do research, which is a plus.

however, there has been one time (ochem II grrr...) where i've gotten way to behind in the course by not goign to lecture, and ended up losing my 4.0 🙁. so that's the major risk of not going to lecture.

 

[BlueElmo]

Also feel kind of guilty, but sometimes laziness feels so good, especially in the morning.

 

[Tatastrophy]

Also feel kind of guilty, but sometimes laziness feels so good, especially in the morning.

I can't imagine you feeling guilty about anything. You are b-elmo!

 

[BlueElmo]

I can't imagine you feeling guilty about anything. You are b-elmo!

hey!😡

 

[Medmon]

I went to the ms1 forum or whatever just for funsies and I found out a lot of them dont go to classes during m1/m2 after the first week.


I know for me in undergrad I go to classes where tests are based on lecture notes, I have a hard time with the subject or there is a mandatory attendance policy. Otherwise imo theres no need. I go see professors during office hours if I feel like I might have trouble getting an A though.

 

[45408]

I went to the ms1 forum or whatever just for funsies and I found out a lot of them dont go to classes during m1/m2 after the first week.


I know for me in undergrad I go to classes where tests are based on lecture notes, I have a hard time with the subject or there is a mandatory attendance policy. Otherwise imo theres no need. I go see professors during office hours if I feel like I might have trouble getting an A though.

I went to lecture about 98% of the time in college, and about 10% of the time in med school (it was about 70-80% in the fall of M1).

Quite a few of my college lecturers included information in their lecture that was not in the book, and that's what we got tested on. A lot of the chemistry courses focused on whatever the professor wanted, so you really needed to go. I also had several biology courses with no textbook (they recommended one, but it wasn't even close to what we ever talked about), so I had to go. I also had plenty of classes with required attendance, so I always went. I still think it was worthwhile to go to most of my classes in college.

 

[Medmon]

I went to lecture about 98% of the time in college, and about 10% of the time in med school (it was about 70-80% in the fall of M1).

Quite a few of my college lecturers included information in their lecture that was not in the book, and that's what we got tested on. A lot of the chemistry courses focused on whatever the professor wanted, so you really needed to go. I also had several biology courses with no textbook (they recommended one, but it wasn't even close to what we ever talked about), so I had to go. I also had plenty of classes with required attendance, so I always went. I still think it was worthwhile to go to most of my classes in college.

So in med school most if not all proffs test you on the core notes or are there some that test you on things only found in the lecture?

 

[BennieBlanco]

lol. Just go to class.

It is your job.

Once the "real world" arrives you will find they expect you to be on time everyday and ready to perform.

In college, for some reason, it is seen as a skill if you can score as high or higher than everyone else while being lazy.

I've never understood the mindset that praises lack of effort with good results. Eventually it catches up with you.

I have a feeling many of the dissatisfied MDs that post on SDN are the ones who could skip all the work and get by on talent alone, then when the real world calls (late nights/actual effort) they are unhappy.

I'd rather work hard and get average results than skate by not trying and excelling. Obviously best of both worlds is work hard --> excellent results.

"Hey I did really well without trying!"

"great job"??

There is conservation of energy and then there is skipping 3 weeks of class because you can still do well. Not the same thing.

Med school may be different, as lecture material may be absorbed more efficiently alone, but that isn't laziness that is strategy. Different.

 

[Medmon]

What does going to lectures have to do with working hard? A lot of my lectures are a waste of time geared towards students that are behind or cant read. I dont learn by having an old man/woman read a Powerpoint to me that says the same thing as the notes I prepped the night before. If that means hard work to you then I laugh at you. Have fun in the "real world." And going to class isnt your job.. learning is. Thats the mindset that brought high schools standardized tests and subpar teachers.

 

[DocMcCoy]

I'm paying for these classes so I sure as heck am going to get my money's worth. I get angry when a prof doesn't show up or gets a lackey TA to lecture.

 

[Steeler7588]

Depends on the class. My physics professor was horrible, so in my second semester I only went to a total of five classes: the first day to get my seat assignment and four days for exams. If it's a class I enjoy, however, I'll try to make every class. Occasionally sleep wins out though (if attendance isn't mandatory, of course).

 

[BennieBlanco]

So I've been going to lecture less and less. I only have three classes and then research.
I skip one class because it's prety straightforward from the text and I've learned a lot of it already, another class posts podcasts and lecture slides w/ audio, and the third is a stats class that is really easy. I spend my time in lab most days istead or do other things with my time like taking my dog to the park or riding bike.
I'm doing fine in all of my classes and I actually have time for my research and having a life. Am I alone on this? I know this is common in med school where classes are usually webcasted, but what about undergrad? I've gotten all A's on exams thus far.
This is my third year and I have gone to almost all lectures for the first two years.

90% of success is showing up.
~ Woody Allen

Your results don't matter. You may have an easy class or you may be very intelligent.

Winning is an internal game. Read some John Wooden.

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
~John Wooden

Rewritten for school:

Don't measure yourself by your GPA, but by what you should have learned with your ability.

It isn't what you do, but how you do it.
~John Wooden

Rewritten for school:

It isn't what grade you get, but how you get it.

Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
~John Wooden

 

[lstone13]

Also feel kind of guilty, but sometimes laziness feels so good, especially in the morning.

Laziness just makes me feel really anxious. 🙄

its pretty obnoxious when the class is supposed to have 200 ppl and only 20 show up.
if you come every day and then once you can't make it....it will be noticed
arrrggg



btws have you heard the "Taylor the latte boy" song by Cheno?!?!? If not-I think you'd appreciate as a fellow Wicked fan.

I have heard that song!! It's catchy.

 

[sportsfreak]

never went to lectures, waste of time, i get bored and don't pay attention anyway

 

[BennieBlanco]

What does going to lectures have to do with working hard? A lot of my lectures are a waste of time geared towards students that are behind or cant read. I dont learn by having an old man/woman read a Powerpoint to me that says the same thing as the notes I prepped the night before. If that means hard work to you then I laugh at you. Have fun in the "real world." And going to class isnt your job.. learning is. Thats the mindset that brought high schools standardized tests and subpar teachers.

no comment. The philosophy I speak of (showing up) is backed by many men and women who have accomplished great things.

I guess only time will tell what results come from each philosophy.

 

[Global Warming]

For straight forward classes, I show up to class 3 times.

Midterm 1 & 2

Final

I rather use that time to read from the book, which I enjoy and works best for me.

 

[jgauger]

no comment. The philosophy I speak of (showing up) is backed by many men and women who have accomplished great things.

I guess only time will tell what results come from each philosophy.

This is ignorance. Seriously. Going to lecture is NOT our job. If going to lecture equates to working hard, then call me lazy. I bust my ass to learn concepts and ideas that just aren't covered in lectures. Lectures are designed in a very inefficient way that is more about memorizing than learning. I know the material and I score well on tests. Just because I would rather spend my time in a research lab actually learning than in a lecture memorizing facts that I can read out of a text book does not make me lazy. I cannot work with these researchers at my leisure because they are only there specific times. I can read a book and go through pp slides at anytime of day, or night for that matter. I'm not talking about putting off learning and cramming to do well on tests or "skating by" on ability. I'm talking about learning efficiently and working in a way that is more conducive to gaining knowledge and not just accumulating facts. If you think school is hard work, I honestly pity you when you get into the real world. School is quite honestly simple compared to most peoples real lives, including my own. Do not preach that going to class is our duty and skipping is just laziness. Great people do grat things because they put in the time, work efficiently, and yes have ability.

Your quotes support my methods over yours, in my oppinion.

 

[Algophiliac]

Always. Not because all of the lectures actually help, but because I know I'm going to waste that time doing something unproductive if I don't go. Plus, those classes are EXPENSIVE.

 

[J ROD]

what are these lectures you speak of.....😀

 

[45408]

lol. Just go to class.

It is your job.

When colleges start paying students, it will be their job.

 

[dru2002]

lol. Just go to class.

It is your job.

Once the "real world" arrives you will find they expect you to be on time everyday and ready to perform.

In college, for some reason, it is seen as a skill if you can score as high or higher than everyone else while being lazy.

I've never understood the mindset that praises lack of effort with good results. Eventually it catches up with you.

I have a feeling many of the dissatisfied MDs that post on SDN are the ones who could skip all the work and get by on talent alone, then when the real world calls (late nights/actual effort) they are unhappy.

I'd rather work hard and get average results than skate by not trying and excelling. Obviously best of both worlds is work hard --> excellent results.

"Hey I did really well without trying!"

"great job"??

There is conservation of energy and then there is skipping 3 weeks of class because you can still do well. Not the same thing.

Med school may be different, as lecture material may be absorbed more efficiently alone, but that isn't laziness that is strategy. Different.

How pray tell is it different? Class is class. Lectures are about the biggest waste of time I have ever encountered. Boy am I glad I don't live my life by silly quotes.

 

[BennieBlanco]

How pray tell is it different? Class is class. Lectures are about the biggest waste of time I have ever encountered. Boy am I glad I don't live my life by silly quotes.

lol.

You people make me laugh. You figure you've conquered the world and are wise because you achieve great grades in a class. All you've done is wrote correct answers on a piece of paper. I'll match John Wooden and his silly philosophy against yours anytime.

Silly quotes by people who have done more in a few years than you've done in your life?

John Wooden:

*1932 National Championship
As coach:
*1964 NCAA National Championship
*1965 NCAA National Championship
*1967 NCAA National Championship
*1968 NCAA National Championship
*1969 NCAA National Championship
*1970 NCAA National Championship
*1971 NCAA National Championship
*1972 NCAA National Championship
*1973 NCAA National Championship
*1975 NCAA National Championship
Regional Championships - Final Four
(1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975)
Awards 2006 founding class, College Basketball Hall of Fame
1972 National Basketball Hall of Fame as a Coach
6 time NCAA College Basketball Coach of the Year
1930 Basketball All-American
1931 Basketball All-American
1932 Basketball All-American
1932 College Basketball Player of the Year
1960 National Basketball Hall of Fame as a Player
1964 Henry Iba Award Coach of the Year

YOU:

Got into a few schools to get a degree...
wrote down correct answers on exams...
...
...
...

The beautiful thing about life is people have their philosophy tested which brings results, this man's "silly" quotes lead him to certain results. What has your philosophy lead you to?

 

[FlowRate]

I normally go to all of my classes either out of compulsion or out of habit.

However, my statistics class this semester is a total joke. I show up every tuesday for 2 minutes before the class starts to turn in homework and for tests. That's it. Top 5% (conservative estimate, may be higher-ranked) in the class.

 

[Express7]

Most of my science class have this thing called "clicker questions" where we have to use an electronic clicker to answer periodic multiple choice questions that the prof. would put up throughout the lecture.

They're worth like 7% of grade so I can't skip or even be late to class even if I wanted. Though I'm not one to miss lectures anyways, even if they're boring or whatever.

 

[dru2002]

lol.

You people make me laugh. You figure you've conquered the world and are wise because you achieve great grades in a class. All you've done is wrote correct answers on a piece of paper. I'll match John Wooden and his silly philosophy against yours anytime.

Silly quotes by people who have done more in a few years than you've done in your life?

John Wooden:
YOU:

The beautiful thing about life is people have their philosophy tested which brings results, this man's "silly" quotes lead him to certain results. What has your philosophy lead you to?

Dude. When you get out into the real world you'll understand. And the silly platitudes you quote will seem quite meaningless. Have a nice day and enjoy your lectures. I'll continue learning from the book.

 

[BennieBlanco]

Dude. When you get out into the real world you'll understand. And the silly platitudes you quote will seem quite meaningless. Have a nice day and enjoy your lectures. I'll continue learning from the book.

It is philosophy, attitude, and work ethic that lead to exceptional performance. Here is another quote you will enjoy:

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race"


~Calvin Coolidge

Oh yeah, he was President of America.

I will enjoy showing up on time everyday ready to perform at a high level.

Let me qualify my early statement, there are no absolutes. In fact, the person in med school who strategically plans to miss lecture due to higher return activities is not who I am talking about. I'm talking about a college student who likely works 20-30 hrs a week or less due to skipping classes. One is working hard, the other gets by on talent.

You enjoy skipping and doing well on exams despite little effort. Tell me how that works outside academia (where talent allows poor habits).

 

[dru2002]

Dude, I graduated 3 years ago and made 15-20k a month last year in sales. It is philosophy, attitude, and work ethic that lead to exceptional performance. Here is another quote you will enjoy:
Oh yeah, he was president of America.

I will enjoy showing up on time everyday ready to perform at a high level.

You enjoy skipping and doing well on exams despite little effort. Tell me how that works a decade from now.

This is pointless. You win. Everyone go to lecture! Have a nice day Bennie.

 

[BennieBlanco]

This is pointless. You win. Everyone go to lecture! Have a nice day Bennie.

Actually you win.

I was defending a philosophy, not myself.😳

To each his own. In my first degree I thought more like you though, so I this way of thinking has grown on me.

I wish for peace, but I do defend this philosophy vigorously.

Don't hate on Wooden. Learn and love him.🙂

You also have a nice day.

 

[dru2002]

I was gonna let this go but I can't. I'm 26 and have deployed to Iraq twice so my philosophy is tested and proven also. The goal of college is to learn how to think. Not to score well on tests. And not to learn how to regurgitate what some professor thinks. You should learn in the most efficient way possible. For some that involves going to lecture for others it doesn't.

To make the blanket statement that if you don't go to lecture you are being lazy is flawed. Reading the book and making logically connections is a far more efficient use of my time. All one gains by going to lecture is the professor's notes. I would much rather make my own. So please don't think your philosophy is the only philosophy.

 

[JonSwan]

For me, while going to lectures may give you those extra little insights into what will be on the exam, jumping around campus from lecture to lecture is a massive waste of time. I found myself not doing anything productive between classes because it felt like once I got settled in and started studying I had to pack up and head to the next class - very inefficient. I only started learning in college once I stopped going to lectures and just went to the library and hit the books. Of course, different strokes for different folks.