Whether it’s a course on the benefits of assisted living facilities or the intricacies of astrophysics, auditing a class offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge base without the pressure of grades or exams.
Here are 3 tips for getting the most out of it.
Set Personal Goals
You want to have clear, personal goals. Without the pressure of grades, it’s easy to lose focus, so personal goals help you stay committed and measure your progress.
So:
- Before the class starts, figure out what you want to achieve. Are you looking to deepen your knowledge in a specific area, learn new skills, or explore a new field?
- Document your goals to keep them top of mind.
- Split larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks so that you can make progress more easily.
If you’re auditing a programming course, your goals might look like this:
- Understanding the basics of a new programming language.
- Completing a small project, such as a simple game or utility script.
- Being able to read and understand code written by others, means you can start contributing to open-source projects.
Engage with the Material
You want to actively engage with the material. Treating the course seriously, even without the pressure of grades, really maximizes the educational benefit.
So:
- Consistent attendance means you won’t miss important lectures and discussions.
- Doing the readings and assignments, even though they’re not graded, reinforces your learning so you get practical experience.
- Actively taking notes helps you process information and creates a resource for review later on.
In a history class, engage with the material by:
- Highlighting key points and writing summaries so you can deepen your understanding.
- Sharing your insights and listening to others so you can gain different perspectives.
- Even if not required, writing short essays on topics discussed to enhance your comprehension and critical thinking.
Network Strategically
You want to build a network within the class so you can get support, enhance your learning experience, and open up future opportunities.
So:
- At the beginning of the course, introduce yourself to the professor and classmates. Share your interests and reasons for auditing the class so they know where you’re coming from.
- Collaborate with peers in study groups so you can deepen your understanding and gain different perspectives.
- Use the professor’s office hours to ask questions, seek advice.
In a business course, network strategically by:
- Forming study groups so you can discuss case studies and share insights.
- Attending office hours to seek advice on how to apply course concepts to your career or personal projects.
- Using any available resources, such as guest lectures or networking events, so you can meet industry professionals and expand your network.
Auditing a class can be a fantastic way to learn, but you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Try out these tips!
