▶ Your Answer : I have experienced both classes with open discussions and
lectures. Although some people may think that lectures are more efficient way
to learn something, I prefer open discussions classes, considering my
experiences. There are two reasons for my opinion.
To begin with, the succession of questions and answers can
deepen our knowledge. Compared to the lectures which delivers just plain
knowledge and forces students to memorize it, open discussions enables students
to explore the subject and even create new knowledge. In addition, it's easier
to remember the materials when it's discussed thoroughly. In my case, I was
once confused of the sign of an equaion in the book. So, I shared my doubt with
my class and all of us reviewed the derivations during the class. Then, we
found out the sign was a typo. In the following midterm exam, there was a
problem pertinent to the equation and I could solve it recalling the
discussions we had. If I solely tried to do the calculation to verify the
error, I couldn't be confident in solving the problem. Thanks to the
discussion, I could get a good grade in the course.
On top of that, open discussions can provide professors with
the information of individual students. When discussing something, students
express their ideas which reveals what the student is good at and bad at.
Listening to them, professors can help students with individual difficulties.
For instance, I presented a thesis regarding graphene in journal club. I had a
hard time in preparing the presentation since I had no easy resource to study.
After the class, the professor borrowed me a book which is about the subject of
my presentation and gave me an advice on how to study the book. It really
helped me to refer when I was in trouble studying the subject.
For open discussions give students deeper
understanding and enable professors to help individual students, I prefer open
discussion classes than just lectures. |