What Matters Most in Class According to College Students?

I stumbled upon a survey that involved college students talking about the crucial aspects in their classes. Just curious to know, from someone in college, what do you think matters the most in class? Is it the professor's teaching style, class participation, or the actual content?

From the perspective of a current college student, I would say that all the elements you mentioned are integral to a successful class, but the relative importance can depend on the student's learning style and the nature of the course.

For example, a student who learns best through active engagement may value class participation highly, especially in discussion-based classes. Here, the opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and engage in debate deeply enriches the learning experience.

If we're talking about more lecture-based courses, like those commonly found in the sciences, the professor's teaching style becomes crucial. An instructor that can effectively communicate complex concepts, foster an engaging learning environment, and make materials accessible can significantly impact a student's understanding and retention of the course content.

Meanwhile, the actual content of the course is always of high importance as it's the basis of everything else. The content needs to be comprehensive, up-to-date, and relevant. Sometimes, even a less-than-stellar professor or minimal class participation can be remedied if a student finds the content deeply engaging or directly relevant to their major or career goals.

So I'd say there isn't a universal "most important" aspect—it largely depends on individual preferences and the nature of the course. So, be thoughtful about what you personally need to be successful in a given course as you evaluate your future college professors.

I hope you find this overview helpful!