Let’s be real—many of us go to lectures just because we have to. 😩 You show up, sit in class, listen to the lecturer, take a few notes (or not 🤷🏽♀️), and then go back to your room. But when exams approach, you suddenly realize you barely remember anything. 😵💫 Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
I used to be the same. 😅 I’d sit through lectures, write down notes ✍️, and think I was doing something useful. But when I later opened my notebook, I’d realize I had just copied things down without actually understanding them. 🤦🏽♀️ That’s when I knew I had to change my approach.
Here’s what I learned about how to actually benefit from lectures—not just sit through them like a zombie. 🧟♂️
1️⃣ Don’t Just Take Notes—Write Down Questions 🤔❓
One mistake I used to make was writing everything the lecturer said. 📝 I thought if I copied enough, I’d understand later. But the truth? I rarely went back to read those notes. 😬
So, instead of just writing, I started writing down questions as the lecturer spoke. ✅ This way, after class, I could test myself to see if I understood anything. 🤯
For example, if the lecture was on the circulatory system, I wouldn’t just write, “The heart pumps blood.” Instead, I’d ask myself:
💡 What organs make up the circulatory system?
💡 What are the functions of these organs?
💡 What diseases affect the circulatory system?
By the time I sat down to study, I wasn’t just looking at notes—I was actively answering questions and checking my understanding. 🔥 And trust me, this method makes revision SO much easier. 💪🏽🎯
2️⃣ Engage in Class—It Helps More Than You Think 🙋🏽♂️💡
I have always been someone who asks questions in class and actively engages in discussions, and I can confidently say it helped me a lot. 🚀
Here’s why:
✅ It made me understand the material better. When I asked critical questions and got answers, I was able to connect ideas more easily. 🧠💡
✅ It forced me to think beyond the basics. Instead of just memorizing facts, I was analyzing concepts and making sense of them. 📊🔍
✅ It made lecturers notice me. And this is more important than people think! 👀
Let’s be honest—lecturers are human beings. 🧑🏽🏫 When a lecturer sees you as a serious, engaged student, they tend to have a soft spot for you. 🤝🏽
For example, in medical school 🏥, we had face-to-face oral exams where we sat directly in front of a lecturer and answered questions. 😨 If you are someone they recognize as an active student—someone who asks questions and contributes—they are more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt if you struggle. 🤗
Now, imagine the opposite. ❌ If you are always quiet in class, never engage, and barely seem present, they might assume you don’t know much—even if you do. A single mistake in an oral exam could confirm their bias that this student doesn’t understand the subject well. 😬
So don’t just sit in class like a ghost. 👻 Engage. Ask questions. Make contributions. Be seen. 🏆 Apart from the fact that it helps you learn, it can also work in your favor when it matters most. 🎯💯
3️⃣ Stop Writing Notes You’ll Never Read—Write Smartly Instead 📝✨
Some of us think the more we write, the better we’ll understand. 🤦🏽♀️ But let’s be honest—how many times have you written long notes and never looked at them again? 😅
Instead of writing EVERYTHING down, try:
🟢 Summarizing key points in your own words. ✍🏽💭
🟢 Using diagrams and flowcharts (great for visual learners 🎨📊).
🟢 Highlighting connections between topics instead of memorizing them separately. 🔗💡
This way, your notes aren’t just long and boring—they’re useful when you need them. 🚀
4️⃣ Don’t Postpone Assignments & Readings—Do Them Immediately ⏳📚
We’ve all done it. The lecturer gives an assignment, and we think, “I’ll do it later.” 🤦🏽♂️ But later never comes, and before we know it, we’re cramming the night before. 😭
Here’s a trick that works:
⏩ If possible, do your assignments the same day they are given—especially reading assignments. 📖
⏩ If you can’t, set an alarm or reminder so you don’t forget. ⏰
⏩ Don’t just rush through them—take time to understand what you’re doing. 🔍
Doing this makes revision a thousand times easier because you won’t have to relearn everything from scratch. 🧠🔥
5️⃣ Learn for Life, Not Just for Exams 🎓🚀
Let’s be honest—many of us focus only on what will come in the exam. 🤷🏽♀️ We memorize, cram, and hope we pass. But real success comes from understanding, not just passing.
Yes, exams matter, but think about this:
🎯 Your certificate will get you an interview, but your knowledge will get you the job. 👩🏽💼💼
🎯 In the real world, nobody cares about your grades—they care about what you know and can do. 📊📈
🎯 The people who succeed are those who understand what they studied, not just those who passed exams. 💡🔥
So, don’t just study to pass. Study to KNOW. 🏆
🎯 Final Thoughts
Attending lectures isn’t enough. If you want to gain something from your classes, you have to:
✅ Write down questions, not just notes. ❓🤔
✅ Engage in class—ask questions, participate, and let lecturers know you exist. 🏆📚
✅ Take smart notes—summarize, visualize, and connect ideas. 📝💡
✅ Do assignments and readings immediately so they stick. 📖🔥
✅ Focus on understanding, not just passing exams. 🎓🚀
The more engaged you are in lectures, the less you’ll struggle when exams come. 🏆 So next time you step into a lecture hall, don’t just be present—make it count! 🚀💯
🔥 What do you think? Do you have any study hacks that help you ace your lectures? Drop them in the comments! 💬👇🏽
Written and posted by: Dr. Richeal Shola Makinde, UCC School of Medical Sciences Alumnus, LinkedIn Profile
