Not attending lessons

[cutari]

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Hi everyone, lately I noticed that a lot of people in my class stopped attending lectures (I'm still pre-clinical) half way through the semester or so. It also seems like a lot of people on SDN do so too.
I just wanted to see your opinions on this as I'm seriously considering doing the same next semester (and attend only the lectures where I actually gain something + anatomy lab). I often zone out during some lectures - not because I don't care but generally because they're too fast paced and some lecturers don't explain anything well at all, this would leave me more time to catch up/plan my time and maybe reduce the stress when the exam's near.

I never really considered doing this before, I'm usually that type of person that has to attend every lecture but since the notes given are sufficient, I don't know... can anyone who's been through this tell me if they found it useful to just stop going to useless lectures?

 

[TBV]

Can't pay attention to a lecture that long. I go home hit the gym chill and watch tv. They post the lectures and I can skip all the stories about the lecturers kids, etc. and learn the important stuff at double speed with ample time to check my fantasy team in between. But you know different strokes for different folks

 

[Goro]

Here's a point of view from the other end, a medical educator.

You're an adult learner and it's best if you find the learning style that best suits you. some people need to come to class and hear the spoken word, as well as see it.

Other's get too distracted, bored, tired or learn better on their own.

I have students who I see in the front row every lecture, and some I only see at exam time.

So go with what works for you!

In the pre-DO forum, I'm usually hesitant to recommend those schools that have required lecture attendance. Dress codes are even worse!

Hi everyone, lately I noticed that a lot of people in my class stopped attending lectures (I'm still pre-clinical) half way through the semester or so. It also seems like a lot of people on SDN do so too.
I just wanted to see your opinions on this as I'm seriously considering doing the same next semester (and attend only the lectures where I actually gain something + anatomy lab). I often zone out during some lectures - not because I don't care but generally because they're too fast paced and some lecturers don't explain anything well at all, this would leave me more time to catch up/plan my time and maybe reduce the stress when the exam's near.

I never really considered doing this before, I'm usually that type of person that has to attend every lecture but since the notes given are sufficient, I don't know... can anyone who's been through this tell me if they found it useful to just stop going to useless lectures?

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Here's a point of view from the other end, a medical educator.

You're an adult learner and it's best if you find the learning style that best suits you. some people need to come to class and hear the spoken word, as well as see it.

Other's get too distracted, bored, tired or learn better on their own.

I have students who I see in the front row every lecture, and some I only see at exam time.

So go with what works for you!

In the pre-DO forum, I'm usually hesitant to recommend those schools that have required lecture attendance. Dress codes are even worse!

most of the educators at my school complain that we don't go to class, so I commend you for even recognizing that some people simply learn more efficiently by not going. refreshing to see!

 

[Rumor13]

Hi everyone, lately I noticed that a lot of people in my class stopped attending lectures (I'm still pre-clinical) half way through the semester or so. It also seems like a lot of people on SDN do so too.
I just wanted to see your opinions on this as I'm seriously considering doing the same next semester (and attend only the lectures where I actually gain something + anatomy lab). I often zone out during some lectures - not because I don't care but generally because they're too fast paced and some lecturers don't explain anything well at all, this would leave me more time to catch up/plan my time and maybe reduce the stress when the exam's near.

I never really considered doing this before, I'm usually that type of person that has to attend every lecture but since the notes given are sufficient, I don't know... can anyone who's been through this tell me if they found it useful to just stop going to useless lectures?

You literally just have to do what works for you. It's cliche, but everyone learns differently. Personally, except for those (very rare) lecturers that present material in just that perfect that resonate with my brain, I simply do not learn from going to lecture. I originally forced myself to go, then I realized, I was essentially wasting the first 3-4 hours of ever day. I am not proficient enough of an auditory learner to get anything meaningful out of a lecture at the pace and sheer volume of content that is covered in one hour.

If I spend the same amount of time at home reading my textbook and making flashcards as I go, I cover an entire chapter (that I'd have to read anyway), actually learn and retain a significant amount of the material, and have comprehensive flashcards made to study from later. If I have 4 lectures a day and do this, then I have the entire afternoon and evening to do flashcards (how I personally learn best) and can actually take breaks without falling behind. If I went to lecture, my morning would be gone, I'd spend my afternoon reading and making flashcards and then I'd only have the night to actually review my flashcards. For me, and I have many friends who are the exact opposite, the knowledge learned vs. time spent ratio for lectures is not high enough. So I don't bother.

Don't stop going just because others don't and if you're doing well, then don't change what you're doing. It will likely end badly. If you feel you're forcing yourself to go and not really getting much out of it, then try skipping a single light day's worth, then see how you do on the test. If you do the same or better on those topics, then you're probably good and you can try skipping more and again, see the impact. But don't stop going cold turkey unless you are 100% that you have the focus and motivation to spend the same amount of time reviewing the material on your own without being walked through it once.

 

[kmp0410]

Do what works.

But for me recorded lectures are game changing. I can watch on 2x speed, replay the parts that don't make sense multiple times, pause, consult other sources, make flash cards, etc. That way when I'm seeing the material I'm learning it. When I went to lecture I might get some conceptual understanding, but learned very little details. Also, if I missed something then I was out of the loop until I was able to review.

With only so many hours in the day...felt like I was always behind having to go back and review lectures to really get them. It sucks when you have lab to get home at 5 and have 5 hours of lecture to review from the day. Tried it for a week and hated it. Also there's a lot of times where lectures aren't that dense and I don't have to pause...and I can get through lecture in a couple less hours. That's a big deal when it comes to doing things I enjoy.