As you’re making your way through the first few weeks of term, it’s a great time to settle into a routine with classes. The start of the year can be a whirlwind as there’s a lot to take in. Now you’ve hopefully got to grips with your timetable, here are some tips to help you get the most out of lessons.Â
Get to know your tutors
Book tutorials if you have an interest in a particular module or you are concerned about one. Your tutors are some of the most valuable contacts you will have at BIMM. So get to know their expertise! The better you know them, the better they can help you. Staying on top of what you are learning will make assessment time a lot less stressful. If you have queries, talk about it as soon as possible. Tutors will be more than happy to go through things with you. If you leave everything until that last-minute, there is only so much they can help you with.
Organise your notes
Everyone has their own way of note-taking that works best for them, so work out what is best for you. I’d recommend highlighting any assessment notes you make as you go. That way when you come to revise you don’t have to spend hours looking for what you need. If you want to make your life easier, create a separate document exclusively for assessment notes. Then you know where everything is.
It can be hard in class if you’re trying to concentrate and take notes at the same time. Get what you can down, then spend five minutes afterwards typing them up or checking them over. Another little tip: name the files after the week or topic to make it even quicker when going back over your notes.
Ask questions
You’re probably rolling your eyes because everyone says this, but it’s very important. If you have something to ask the tutor, ask as soon as you can. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in class, note it down so you don’t forget, then drop them an email or book a tutorial if necessary. Ask your classmates questions too. Don’t rely on them for everything, but they may be able to quickly solve it or explain things in a different way. Don’t be afraid to have your say in a lesson, you’ll be surprised how much you can learn from each other, not just your tutor.
Be open minded
You might occasionally finish a lesson thinking ‘But how does this relate to the assessment?’. Whilst your assessments are a huge part of your studies, the lessons that seem irrelevant are still important in the grand scheme of things. Although something might not seem 100% relevant now, you never know when it may come up again. Being in education isn’t just about passing assessments, you’re there to gain as much knowledge as you can. So, make the most of it!
Bring your A gameÂ
Try and stay on top of things. Make sure you’re prepared for each class and check your emails and Moodle account. Put yourself in the best position when walking into class. Use your classes as a chance to build confidence and gain experience. Remember, you get out what you put into them. Stay on top of your reading, practice as much as you can and learn your LPW songs in advance.
If you are set a task in between classes, do it! Tutors will plan lessons and rely on you completing your work. You don’t have to leave every lesson having given 110%, but in general you should put the work in. At the end of the day, you can only do your best!
