Thursday

Graduate classes: What makes them unique?

What makes graduate school different from undergraduate study? One answer to that question is the classes. I am just finishing up my third full week of classes, and I’m beginning to fall into a routine much different from my routine last year at Geneseo as an undergrad.

One way graduate classes are unique is in terms of time. As I mentioned in a previous blog, classes are just under three hours. They take place once a week in the evening. This is helpful because having extra time between classes gives me a chance to get all of the reading and assignments done thoroughly (instead of skimming an article due to time constraints). A lot of my learning comes from the reading. I spend much more time outside of class for each course than I do in class.

A three-hour class gives us a chance to participate in activities other than lecturing. My professor, Dr. Bonnie Rubenstein, cited research out of the National Training Laboratories in Bethel, Maine while in class on Monday. She explained that “the average retention rate of learning from lecture is only 5%, then reading 10%, using visual aides 20%, demonstration 30%, discussion 50%, practice by doing 75% and if you teach others 90%.” We are actually learning more in each class because we have enough time to participate in learning activities other than lecturing.

Aside from having more time in and between classes, the counseling program here at Warner values and builds community. On the first day of each of my classes, my professors took the time to have everyone go around and tell a little about themselves. It’s been only three weeks now and I feel as if I know everyone’s name. It’s amazing how something as little as introductions can bring a sense of unity and belonging to the classroom.

Keep checking back for more updates. If you have a question about the blog or would like to chat about experiences at Warner, please leave a comment.