When you first start uni, I think most people feel quite anxious. Worried you can’t follow classes in English, getting chased by deadlines all the time. I thought about this quite seriously and just want to share some real thoughts on how to adapt faster and actually improve.
First, you really need to preview before class. Especially if your English is just average. My habit is, as long as the lecturer uploads slides on Moodle, I will go to the library about a week before and print them out, then go through everything once. I translate all the words I don’t understand and mark the parts I don’t get. Then when I go to class, I already know what to focus on, and when the lecturer talks about certain points, it’s much easier to follow.
Second, note-taking. Just write down key points, difficult parts, and things you don’t understand. Don’t just copy the slides. That’s very low efficiency.
Third, class interaction. In Australia there’s a lot of group discussion, especially tutorials, sometimes half the class is just discussion. Each group usually has to present every week, and if no one volunteers, they will just randomly pick someone (introvert nightmare). Don’t try to avoid it, because tutorial presentations are usually graded.
Fourth, ask questions. This applies everywhere. I personally like emailing lecturers to ask questions. It’s convenient, and also I’m a bit introverted so I don’t always want to ask face to face. For harder subjects, before exams I even book office hours. Honestly, it helps a lot, whoever tried it will know.
Last is mindset about social. Push yourself into an English-only social environment. At first you will realise your language is not enough, your thinking depth and knowledge also not enough. But it’s okay. In those situations you can hear what people are talking about, the more current ideas, how others break the ice, how they do small talk, how they naturally end a conversation and exchange contacts. Every time after this kind of social, my English, my exposure, and my social skills all go up one level. And after that period, I usually study much harder and improve quite fast.
Author: Sim K
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