Hi,
How do you prepare for your classes before the term starts?
I have twice now gotten to class and found out I was expected to know something I did not. Twice, out of two classes in my engineering program. Neither of these classes have prerequisites.
The first time it was expecting we know Gen Chem III topics like kinetics and equilibrium. Now my computation prof says “I expect you all already know some python.” Cool. This two credit course is now a four credit time investment because I have to learn everything from scratch.
The question is two-fold:
- How do you prepare for a class you suspect will be difficult?
- Note, my college doesn’t post syllabi in advance.
- How do you handle these unspoken expectations of prior knowledge? What do you do when you arrive to class and realize you’re already behind?
Somewhat frustrating experience, I admit this is partially a rant. But I don’t want to seem too angry since its all genuinely interesting content. I also know other students have been through this before, and probably have coping strategies. I’d appreciate some! Thanks in advance.