Supplementary Academic Materials
Even in the best universities, there will be times that you run into a teacher whose teaching style runs opposite of yours. Perhaps they do nothing but lecture the entire class, without giving visuals, or only give visuals without good explanation. Running into this problem is almost inevitable, but it doesn't have to hurt you. Self-learning is a skill that can bring you through this, with some help.
Many students aren't aware of this, but there are many classes from Ivy League universities available to watch online, albeit not for credit. For the visual learner, there are also websites where many processes (particularly in Biology) are animated, bringing concepts to life. Having used both of these myself, I can say that they're great supplements to any class. In fact, I would recommend them even for your own personal use. For example, I'm currently using MIT's Open Course Ware to teach myself Calculus out of personal interest. Here are just a few of the supplemental materials you can use to teach yourself.
Lectures:
MIT Open CourseWare
- This includes everything from Women's Studies to Nuclear Science and Engineering. Many of their classes are made specifically for self-learners, those designated OCW Scholar, and also include class materials, homework, etc along with the lectures for teaching oneself.
Coursera
- Here you can take actual classes online, with lectures from a real professor. They offer a certificate of completion (and some are now offering university credit, although that part's not free) as long as you complete the homework, exams, etc associated with the class. However, you can also take it just for fun, like I do (in which case, you don't have to do the homework, etc), and learn about Calculus, neuroscience, public health, Egyptology, computer programming, or whatever interests you. So if you're having trouble learning Calculus in your actual class, for example, this would be a great supplement to help you learn.
UC Berkeley
- These are hosted through iTunes U and YouTube, and the materials vary - some include only audio, others include video.
Khan Academy
- Their tagline is "Learn almost anything for free" and they're not exaggerating. From understanding the Greek debt crisis to Organic Chemistry, they have classes for everything. The teaching style, having someone draw on a digital blackboard and talk their way through the explanation of concepts, is somewhat unique and may not appeal to everyone.
Animations:
Virtual Cell Animation Collection
- This focuses on animating cell processes, as the name suggests, along with some molecular processes, like transcription. It includes both still images and movie animations.
Learners TV
- This includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics animations useful for the visual learner. It also hosts many lectures.
YouTube - for all those miscellaneous questions
- YouTube is a great resource in of itself. If you don't find a video/animation/lecture elsewhere, there's a good bet you'll find it here.
Resources on Campus
Many schools, particularly larger ones, have tutors available for free (mine certainly does). If your school belongs to that group, you may wish to try out a tutor. Teacher's office hours are also great times to ask questions. Going to a teacher's office hours may well pay off down the road, as well, by letting the teacher get to know you. Not only is your teacher more likely to be accommodating to a student that they know, but they're also more likely to be willing to write you a recommendation letter for scholarships or graduate school further down the road.
Finally, many difficulties with poor professors/professors whose teaching styles don't match up with your learning style can be avoided if you can register for the same class with a different professor. The best way I know of to determine whether a professor is good or bad is to go to ratemyprofessors.com. It's incredibly useful and I highly recommend it.
Many students aren't aware of this, but there are many classes from Ivy League universities available to watch online, albeit not for credit. For the visual learner, there are also websites where many processes (particularly in Biology) are animated, bringing concepts to life. Having used both of these myself, I can say that they're great supplements to any class. In fact, I would recommend them even for your own personal use. For example, I'm currently using MIT's Open Course Ware to teach myself Calculus out of personal interest. Here are just a few of the supplemental materials you can use to teach yourself.
Lectures:
MIT Open CourseWare
- This includes everything from Women's Studies to Nuclear Science and Engineering. Many of their classes are made specifically for self-learners, those designated OCW Scholar, and also include class materials, homework, etc along with the lectures for teaching oneself.
Coursera
- Here you can take actual classes online, with lectures from a real professor. They offer a certificate of completion (and some are now offering university credit, although that part's not free) as long as you complete the homework, exams, etc associated with the class. However, you can also take it just for fun, like I do (in which case, you don't have to do the homework, etc), and learn about Calculus, neuroscience, public health, Egyptology, computer programming, or whatever interests you. So if you're having trouble learning Calculus in your actual class, for example, this would be a great supplement to help you learn.
UC Berkeley
- These are hosted through iTunes U and YouTube, and the materials vary - some include only audio, others include video.
Khan Academy
- Their tagline is "Learn almost anything for free" and they're not exaggerating. From understanding the Greek debt crisis to Organic Chemistry, they have classes for everything. The teaching style, having someone draw on a digital blackboard and talk their way through the explanation of concepts, is somewhat unique and may not appeal to everyone.
Animations:
Virtual Cell Animation Collection
- This focuses on animating cell processes, as the name suggests, along with some molecular processes, like transcription. It includes both still images and movie animations.
Learners TV
- This includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics animations useful for the visual learner. It also hosts many lectures.
YouTube - for all those miscellaneous questions
- YouTube is a great resource in of itself. If you don't find a video/animation/lecture elsewhere, there's a good bet you'll find it here.
Resources on Campus
Many schools, particularly larger ones, have tutors available for free (mine certainly does). If your school belongs to that group, you may wish to try out a tutor. Teacher's office hours are also great times to ask questions. Going to a teacher's office hours may well pay off down the road, as well, by letting the teacher get to know you. Not only is your teacher more likely to be accommodating to a student that they know, but they're also more likely to be willing to write you a recommendation letter for scholarships or graduate school further down the road.
Finally, many difficulties with poor professors/professors whose teaching styles don't match up with your learning style can be avoided if you can register for the same class with a different professor. The best way I know of to determine whether a professor is good or bad is to go to ratemyprofessors.com. It's incredibly useful and I highly recommend it.
Give Your Input!
What do you do to help yourself learn outside of class when you're having trouble learning in class? Contact Me and share your experiences and advice with others!
What do you do to help yourself learn outside of class when you're having trouble learning in class? Contact Me and share your experiences and advice with others!
