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Guide to lectures

Master the art of engaging with university lectures to enhance your learning.
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Portraits of students and academics for the ¼ LAW Undergraduate Guide at the Kensington Campus on October 26, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Anna Kucera)

Lectures are a core part of university learning, offering essential knowledge and insights into your course topics

To get the most out of lectures, you need to be an independent and active learner. This guide offers practical strategies for preparing, participating, and following up on lectures effectively.

What is a lecture?

Lectures are formal, structured presentations delivered to large groups of students, typically in lecture theatres. They are designed to provide an overview of essential knowledge in a subject area, serving as a foundation for further reading and research. During lectures, students listen and take notes while the lecturer speaks. Depending on the course, lecturers may incorporate slides, film, sound recordings, or other media. Lectures generally last for one or two hours and are an important component of university learning.

  • Interaction styles vary by lecturer - some prefer uninterrupted presentations, while others welcome questions. If unsure, save your questions for the end and make sure they’re relevant, or raise your hand to get the lecturer’s attention.

  • Absolutely. While it may be tempting to skip lectures, especially when attendance isn’t recorded, it’s a habit worth avoiding. Lectures provide essential insights and key concepts that form the foundation of your course. Missing them can result in:

    • Gaps in your understanding of the topic
    • Missing critical information about assignments or course administration
    • Increased workload later, as exams often rely heavily on lecture material.

    If you miss a lecture, catch up soon to avoid falling behind:

    • Listen to lecture recordings online
    • Obtain copies of lecture slides or handouts
    • Ask classmates for notes.

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Enhancing your lecture journey

Lectures can be challenging, but with the right strategies, they become valuable learning opportunities. This section covers key steps for preparation, as well as what to do before, during, and after lectures, to help you stay prepared, focused, and better able to retain information.
    • Know the topic
      Check your course outline for weekly topics to understand what the lecture will cover.
    • Complete pre-reading
      Engage with any recommended pre-reading to familiarise yourself with the material.
    • Download lecture slides
      If available, download lecture slides before class. If you take notes by hand, print them out and annotate them during the lecture.
    • Review previous notes
      Go over your notes from previous lectures, as there may be links between topics that will aid your understanding of the current lecture.
    • Organise your notes
      Before the lecture, set up notebooks or documents for note-taking. At the top of each page or the beginning of the document, write:
      • Date
      • Week and lecture number
      • Title of the lecture
      • Course name
    • Prepare a document template with the same headings above if you're using a laptop or tablet.
    • Arrive early
      Find a seat before the lecture starts to avoid missing the introduction.
    • Be well-equipped
      Ensure you have enough paper, functioning pens, or sufficient laptop battery power for note-taking.
    • Choose your seat wisely
      Sit near the front or in a position where you can hear and see clearly to enhance concentration and minimise distractions.
    • Minimise distractions
      Turn down the volume on any devices you bring to lectures. Put your phone away and set it to 'silent' mode before the lecture begins to help you focus and avoid distracting others.

    • Engage by questioning and analysing the lecture:

      • What’s being discussed (or left out)?
      • What are the main ideas, and how do they connect to what I already know?
      • How does this fit with the course and assignments?
      • What am I finding difficult or unclear?

      What to listen for:

      • Introductory remarks: These usually outline key ideas and themes for understanding the ‘big picture.’
      • Verbal signposts: Look out for cues like “There are four main points” or “To sum up,” signalling important information
      • Final remarks: Most lectures end with a summary that ties ideas together and previews upcoming material.

    • If you find it hard to concentrate during lectures, you're not alone. It’s natural for your mind to wander, but you can actively remind yourself to listen and stay focused by trying these strategies: 

      • Stay positive
        Instead of thinking how boring the lecture is, focus on staying present and engaged
      • Fuel up
        A snack or coffee can help if you’re feeling sluggish or distracted by hunger
      • Rest and move
        Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and exercise to support concentration
      • Avoid online distractions
        It’s tempting but staying off your phone or laptop will save you time later
      • Take notes
        Even if slides are available, writing things down keeps you engaged and helps with revision later
      • Stick around till the end
        Packing up early is distracting and you might miss key points or the chance to ask questions.

    • Strike a balance between note-taking and active listening. Instead of transcribing the entire lecture, focus on understanding the main points and overall argument. Use lecture slides as an outline, but listen for additional details the lecturer provides. If slides are available beforehand, print them out and add extra notes during class.
        • Key concepts and main points
        • Important examples
        • Definitions and new terms
        • References from the lecturer
        • Anything you find confusing or hard to understand
        • Your own thoughts and question.
        • Be selective: Capture key points and the overall argument, not every detail
        • Paraphrase: Write notes in your own words to better understand and retain information
        • Structure: Use headings, subheadings, and lists for clarity
        • Keep it concise: Use phrases, abbreviations, and symbols to save time
        • Fill gaps: Leave space for missing information and add it later
        • Personalise: Include space for your own thoughts and comments.

  • Following up on lectures is essential for retaining information and creating effective study materials for exam preparation. To optimise your learning, implement these strategies within 24 hours of a lecture:

    • Engage in discussions:Talk about the lecture content with classmates or peers, whether during a tutorial or over coffee. This reinforces what you have learned and deepens your understanding
    • Review your notes promptly:Revisit your notes shortly after the lecture to improve recall, address gaps in your knowledge, and solidify your understanding.
      • Ensure clarity:Reread your notes to make sure they are legible and well-organised
      • Fill in missing details:Add any extra thoughts or information you’ve gained since the lecture
      • Refine your notes:Correct spelling errors, expand abbreviations, and enhance readability
      • Clarify diagrams:Revise diagrams and explain them in your own words to reinforce your understanding
      • Identify unclear points:Highlight areas that need further explanation or research
      • Write a reflection:Take a moment to critically reflect on the content. This can be done in a separate notebook or within your lecture notes. Consider the following:
        • What were the key arguments, and how do they relate to the broader subject or assignment questions?
        • What examples were given, and how do they clarify the material?
        • What questions remain? What is unclear or challenging, and how can you resolve these uncertainties?
      • Organise your notes:Label and file your notes, along with any related handouts, for easy reference later.
      • Review regularly:Dedicate 15 minutes each week to revisiting your notes. This consistent practice will make exam preparation more efficient and less overwhelming.

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