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A first-year South African student asking her lecturer a question after class in a university lecture hall

Questions to Ask Your Lecturer in First Year

Most of us leave school wishing we had asked more questions. University is a good time to change that. Ask what the examiner looks for, which readings matter most and how each assignment counts towards your final mark.
A question asked in week two saves a lot of worry in week twelve. Charlene Jacobs
Visit your lecturer during consultation hours and bring examples of your own work.
A South African university tutor standing beside a lecture-hall whiteboard, holding an open notebook and a pen
Close-up of a university study desk with printed course handouts, highlighters, a laptop edge and a coffee cup

Questions worth asking

Ask what a good answer looks like, which readings matter most and how marks are shared across assignments. Lecturers are glad to explain, yet most students never ask.

Where to ask

Use consultation hours, tutorials or email. Keep your question short and say what you have already tried. Johan Botha, our Engineering lecturer, says that earns the best replies.

4 Comments

  1. Useful read for anyone new to teaching. The advice on setting up a classroom routine and giving feedback is practical and clear.

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