Large classes in undergrad

[Ayemee]

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Hey guys! I recently transferred to a university with large class sizes of around 300. With class sizes this large, is it okay to still email professors with content questions? Or does it depend on the professor? Some seem more open to email, and some seem like they would like all the questions asked during class.

My classes have a teaching assistant, would it be weird if I emailed them with questions?

Thanks!

 

[SkiOtter]

Ask each individual professor. No one on here knows them or their policies.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

I would go with the teaching assistant first, IMO. If they don't know the answers, they can fwd you on to the professor.

 

[squirrelnutkin]

Hi,

I also attended a university that had large class sizes for introductory courses such as Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II and even Organic Chemistry I and II. Check your syllabi for listing of office hours. Going to office hours is great way to make meaningful connections with your professors in large classes and can often result in a grade boost during marking periods. If you are not sure if they have office hours or are open to email, ask the professor directly before or after lecture when they are setting up or putting away their things.

As far as teaching assistants, you should absolutely email them with questions. That's what the TA's are there for. In courses of this size, TA's will often hold separate office hours and revision sessions - make it clear that you are interested in these resources.

Professors and TA's will be much more willing to help students that are clearly making an effort the entire semester over ones that show up to office hours one week before the final exam. Make it a point to get to know the professors and it will pay off.

 

[Ayemee]

Great, thank you guys!

 

[wildlifer]

Hi,

I also attended a university that had large class sizes for introductory courses such as Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II and even Organic Chemistry I and II. Check your syllabi for listing of office hours. Going to office hours is great way to make meaningful connections with your professors in large classes and can often result in a grade boost during marking periods. If you are not sure if they have office hours or are open to email, ask the professor directly before or after lecture when they are setting up or putting away their things.

As far as teaching assistants, you should absolutely email them with questions. That's what the TA's are there for. In courses of this size, TA's will often hold separate office hours and revision sessions - make it clear that you are interested in these resources.

Professors and TA's will be much more willing to help students that are clearly making an effort the entire semester over ones that show up to office hours one week before the final exam. Make it a point to get to know the professors and it will pay off.

Pretty much hit the nail on the head. I, too, went to a university with large classes. The only thing I would add is if you can't make the office hours but still need to get in touch with the professor/ta, make sure you say which section you are in, because most of the time universities with classes that large will have that class offered in different sections.

 

[pp9]

Hey guys! I recently transferred to a university with large class sizes of around 300. With class sizes this large, is it okay to still email professors with content questions? Or does it depend on the professor? Some seem more open to email, and some seem like they would like all the questions asked during class.

My classes have a teaching assistant, would it be weird if I emailed them with questions?

Thanks!

It also really depends on the class...things like chemistry often are not well explained over email. Office hours would be more beneficial to you, whether it's with the professor or TA. If you can't make office hours for either, an email asking for an appointment is just fine.