Seeking Advice for a Challenging Class
I’m currently taking a particularly tough class that has a heavy workload, including numerous assignments and labs. To be honest, it feels like a full-time job! While I’m managing to keep up with the assignments, my exam performance isn’t as strong.
A significant factor in my exam struggles is that the questions often differ from what’s presented in the textbook and homework assignments. For instance, on the latest exam, I noticed that roughly a quarter of the points came from what I would describe as trick questions. I feel like I have a solid grasp of the material, but I still struggle with these types of questions.
I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to address this with my professor. I’m considering requesting a study guide; it would be incredibly helpful to get clarity on what types of problems we should focus on. Just having someone say, “Concentrate on these kinds of problems and don’t worry about the book or homework ones,” would make a big difference.
Thanks in advance for your help!
It sounds like you’re facing a tough situation, and it’s great that you’re being proactive about seeking help! Here are some suggestions for approaching your professor:
Schedule a Meeting: Rather than trying to address your concerns after class or via email, consider scheduling a dedicated meeting during office hours. This shows that you’re serious about your learning.
Be Honest but Respectful: When you meet with your professor, explain your feelings about the exams candidly but respectfully. Let them know that you understand the material but are struggling with the way it’s assessed.
Ask for Specific Guidance: Instead of just asking for a study guide, you could ask if they could provide examples of the types of questions that might appear on exams or if they could offer insights into the reasoning behind the trick questions. This could help you focus your study efforts.
Request Additional Resources: Inquire if there are any supplemental materials, previous exams, or study groups that might provide more context or help clarify the type of questions they favor.
Seek Feedback on Your Exam Performance: If possible, ask if you can review your past exams together to get a better understanding of where your mistakes were made. This could provide insights into the exam format and expectations.
Express Your Commitment: Let your professor know that you are dedicated to improving your performance and learning as much as you can. This can help build rapport and shows that you are taking your education seriously.
Join or Form a Study Group: Sometimes discussing concepts with peers can lead to different perspectives that make the material click. You might even consider forming a study group with classmates who are also in the class.
Remember, professors generally appreciate students who take the initiative to seek help and improve their performance. Good luck!