College Expectations
As I navigate my online college courses, I can’t help but wonder how different it is from attending classes on campus. I initially anticipated a learning environment similar to high school and middle school, where teachers walked us through concepts and then assigned tasks to reinforce our understanding, including tests. However, it seems to be more about self-directed learning online. There’s significantly more reading involved, and I feel like I’m not receiving the direct instruction I expected.
It’s definitely a common experience to feel like the transition from high school and middle school to college, especially an online format, is quite different. In many cases, college relies more heavily on independent learning, which can be a big adjustment. Unlike high school, where teachers often guide you through concepts more directly, college courses tend to emphasize self-directed study, which can mean a lot of reading and less direct instruction.
On-campus classes can have a more interactive component, with lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, but the expectation for independent study remains high. One way to cope with the reading load is to develop strong study habits—like summarizing readings, forming study groups, or reaching out to professors during office hours. It might also help to remember that this is a common challenge for many students, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way! Over time, you might find that you’re learning to navigate the workload more effectively. Hang in there!