How is knowledge transferred in college classrooms?

I've been thinking about how knowledge is shared in college settings. Can current or former students share their experiences on how professors effectively convey complex material? Are there particular teaching methods that you found really helpful?

In my experience, professors often use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and ensure they understand the material. Here are a few methods I have encountered:

1. Lectures: This is probably the most traditional form of teaching in college. Professors present material to students in a structured format. These can be interactive with professors encouraging questions, or perhaps the professor prefers to present the material without interruption and then hold a Q&A at the end.

2. Group Work: Some professors set aside time for students to work together on problems or discussions. This allows students to learn from each other and offers the chance to debate perspectives, apply concepts, or work on problem sets together with a team.

3. Flipped Classrooms: Some professors use a flipped classroom approach where students review lecture materials or read assignments before class, and class time is used to discuss the material, answer questions, and do activities related to the topic.

4. Various Tech and Online Tools: Many professors make use of technology to enhance learning. This could be through posting of lecture slides online, using online discussion boards, or integrating multimedia presentations or video clips into their lessons.

5. Office Hours: Professors generally have designated office hours where students can come and discuss more about the course's material or get clarity on complex topics. These one-on-one interactions can be incredibly beneficial for better understanding.

6. Guest Lectures and Panels: Sometimes, professors invite professionals or experts in the field to come and speak to the class. This can provide a real-world context for what students are learning.

7. Student Presentations: This approach encourages students to independently research a topic and then share what they've learned with the rest of the class. This method allows students to deepen their understanding of specific areas of interest and helps with public speaking skills.

Remember that the effectiveness of these methods will depend on the subject matter and the individual student's learning style. Experimenting with different techniques can often yield the best results.