Get ready for uni - What is a lecture?

What is a lecture?

If you’re thinking about starting university, you’re probably wondering what studying will look like – aside from thinking about all the fun you’ll be having! Don’t know your lecture from your seminar? Want to know what to expect? Find out more about the type of lessons you’ll be undertaking when you start your course.

What is a university lecture?

A university lecture is a session where students listen to a lecturer, who talks through a particular topic. Lectures can be led in large groups, or small groups, and often take place in lecture theatres.

Lectures are a useful way to introduce modules, and they often inform your studies, leading you on to further reading. The pace of delivery can be fairly quick, so make sure to pay attention and take notes – although, you won’t need to write everything down!

What do you do in a lecture?

Your role as the student will be to listen and digest the information that is being presented by the lecturer. There may be an opportunity to ask questions, but generally, the session is formal, with the lecturer speaking, and students listening. Note-taking throughout lectures is essential, allowing you to digest the information shared, and reminding you of the key themes discussed. Lecturers may share a PowerPoint or online document of their talk after the session is completed.

What I do need to bring to a lecture?

The key to a lecture is listening and taking notes. Some students prefer the traditional method of a pen and notepad, while others bring a laptop to write notes. Some students even bring audio recording equipment, however, you should check with your lecturer on whether they are comfortable with you recording the session. The choice is yours!

What is a university seminar?

A university seminar is closer to what you will have experienced in a typical school lesson. Students are split into smaller groups, varying in size depending on how many students are studying that particular module. The format of a seminar can vary greatly depending on the subject but generally revolve around exercises, group activities, practical study, or debates.

What do you do in a seminar?

Seminar activity varies greatly depending on the module and your course. Generally, seminars take a deeper dive into the module subject than a lecture, allowing you to explore the topic in more detail.

Some seminars expand directly on the week’s module lecture, and give you the chance to test and explore the theme and teachings of the lecture in smaller groups, through activities, exercises and more interactive study.

Other seminars work on developing practical skills or take place in a more practical setting. These sessions may also be called workshops. Aside from regular classroom teaching, you may have seminars that take place in studios, workshops or labs.

What do I need to bring to a seminar?

Some seminars will require prior reading, investigation or evaluation of a text. Make sure you complete any work set beforehand to be able to engage in the session.

Make sure you bring the practical means required in order to complete the work. What this will involve depends on your subject, but generally, this will be your laptop or notepad. If you are required to bring any specialist equipment to a seminar, your seminar leader will let you know beforehand.

How do I make the most of my lectures?

Our students have sat through 100s of lectures, so they're the experts on concentrating, taking notes and absorbing the information from your lecture.

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[00:00:09] Speaker 1 Getting the most out of your lecture isn't just about sitting in a theatre or classroom and taking notes. It's what you do before, during and after your lecture to maximise learning. Any preparation you do will be very useful. [00:00:21] Speaker 2 Sometimes it can be overwhelming taking in all the new information from a lecture, especially the first week of uni. It's important to get on top of all the work that's been recommended by the lecturer. This can make you feel more relaxed when you start. [00:00:33] Speaker 3 You might have also been already given useful articles of various sorts. So it's always good to know how much you already know about the topic of the lecture and what would be new for you. What is it that you really need to learn more about? [00:00:45] Speaker 1 You could pop to the library or have a look online to try and get a head start. There may be YouTube videos on the theme of your lecture content that you can watch as well. [00:00:55] Speaker 2 It's essential to be on time for your lecture. There's nothing more embarrassing than walking past all those staring faces. [00:01:01] Speaker 1 If you can try to sit near the lecturer it shows that you're not only attentive, but you may feel more prepared to learn, concentrate and take notes. [00:01:12] Speaker 3 Different approaches work for different people when it comes to taking note taking, be it writing, typing, or finding a shorthand technique that records your information best. [00:01:20] Speaker 1 Most of the time your lecture will share PowerPoint slides online so you don't need to take notes, word for word. Focusing on what the lecture is saying means that you can take notes and then access the content online after the session. [00:01:32] Speaker 2 With note taking, it's important to establish what works for you. If you get stuck, reach out to classmates or seek further academic support. [00:01:43] Speaker 3 Don't get distracted and put your phone away. However, if you are recording the lecture, if that is permitted, don't let that be a substitute for paying attention to the lecture. [00:01:54] Speaker 1 If you are recording the lecture, you can do this in conjunction with your note taking. Make sure to note any key timings of the lecture to review at a later date. [00:02:04] Speaker 2 Don't be shy of asking questions when the lecturer offers the opportunity during the lecture, make sure to write notes of questions you might have for later. [00:02:14] Speaker 3 It's really important to stay focussed and to concentrate. So if you feel like your mind starts to wander, make sure to bring it back. You have to stay in the here and now. [00:02:24] Speaker 1 When it comes to the end of the lecture and it's time to leave. It's not over yet. [00:02:29] Speaker 2 Grab a coffee with a classmate or two and chat over what you've learned. Get some valuable help and opinions and give some out as well. [00:02:36] Speaker 3 Finally, after the lecture is the best time to get your notes into shape. Your head will be fresh from what you've learned in the last hour or two. So now is the best time to do it. [00:02:45] Speaker 1 Leave it too late, and if your note taking is too brief, something that you have added may be unclear. Now is the optimum time to put everything into shape. [00:02:54] Speaker 2 All that's left to do now is go off and enjoy yourself. [00:02:56] Speaker 3 Confident that you've done the best to get the most out of your lecture. [00:03:00] Speaker 1 And feeling fully prepared to do it all again another day.