Written by Josh Morris
At the University of Alabama, the quality of the teachers and classes are, overall, exceptional. However, like at all universities, there are a few bad seeds. Students find classes in their major the most interesting, since this is what they choose to do. But don’t worry, students have ways of finding out which classes are taught by the best teachers. It’s good to do a little research before picking a class. Just ask around—students love talking about teachers that made their learning experiences either better or worse. If you find yourself in a class bored or confused, don’t hesitate to either ask questions in class or talk to your instructor right afterwards. If you’re not comfortable enough and feel like waiting, all teachers are available to be contacted outside of class through e-mail, during office hours, or by phone. If students talk to their teachers about problems, they can usually be fixed.
The chance that students will enjoy classes depends on their major, the department, class size, and what kind of students they are. Larger classes have less student-teacher interaction. Some students learn better by coming to class, taking notes, and reading the chapter. Others learn by asking questions and having group discussions. UA has both types of classes, and the best way to get the one you want is by finding out which one is taught the way you like. Avoid classes that rely solely on eLearning though, UA’s online class platform. Deadlines are easier to forget, and connection or submission errors are a common occurrence and rarely accepted as an excuse for late work. Don’t hesitate to seek your teacher outside of class for help, even if they’re the curmudgeonly type. This is the best way to make your learning experience better.