Is it worth going to lectures and tutorials in engineering?

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The discussion centers around the importance of attending lectures and tutorials for engineering students. While one student had success without attending, averaging an A- with minimal participation, many emphasize that attendance is crucial for maintaining good relationships with professors, which can be beneficial for future recommendations and assistance. Attending classes is seen as a way to maximize the investment in education, as students pay significant amounts for each hour of instruction. Additionally, engaging with professors can enhance the learning experience, as some may deliver enjoyable and valuable lectures. Overall, the consensus leans towards the idea that attending classes is essential for both academic success and professional networking.
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Engineering student here. Last semester I didn't go to most lectures or tutorials because they were too slow and too boring. However, I see a lot of people say that going to lectures/tutorials is very important. Should I go to them this semester? I averaged an A- last semester (with one A+) taking a full course load, to classes/tutorials I skipped. Ironically, the one class I went to (lectures and tutorials) got me a B.
 
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Students are generally expected to attend class, particularly to discuss homework. Class participation is important.

It is also a matter of discipline. And, one might be looking for recommendations some day.
 
Well, I can't say I recommend that. But if it works for you then that's what matters.

Personally, I would just suck it up and go to keep up appearances with your professors. It's only 45 minutes, and you're paying for it, it works out to something like $50-$100 an hour if you ever do the math. Even though attendance might not be graded in the syllabus, it's going to matter if you ever need those professors on your good side: if you want recommendations, or if you want an 89 B+ bumped up to a 90 A-, or if you ever need help on something (sooner or later, there will be something you can't do on your own, and the first thing they will ask is if you have class notes or remember the lecture).

Plus, you might find that some of your professors actually host rather enjoyable lectures.
 
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It's a "two-way street." Students don't show up, why should faculty bother to make an effort? You're there to learn --- some of them are there to teach --- give them a chance.
 
Always go to the lectures. I know boring,boring, boring BUT YOU ARE GOING TO SCHOOL, remember? To learn presumably, remember? You also happen to be paying for it so why not get your moneys worth? If on the other hand, you can challenge the class in question and still get the credits for it. then go for it. Highly dangerous move by the way.

I think Jack476 is spot on.

jack476 said:
Well, I can't say I recommend that. But if it works for you then that's what matters.

Personally, I would just suck it up and go to keep up appearances with your professors. It's only 45 minutes, and you're paying for it, it works out to something like $50-$100 an hour if you ever do the math. Even though attendance might not be graded in the syllabus, it's going to matter if you ever need those professors on your good side: if you want recommendations, or if you want an 89 B+ bumped up to a 90 A-, or if you ever need help on something (sooner or later, there will be something you can't do on your own, and the first thing they will ask is if you have class notes or remember the lecture).

Plus, you might find that some of your professors actually host rather enjoyable lectures.
 
Okay, so this is something I have been thinking about for a long time, because it's something I am passionate about and something that has personally affected me - and that's the generally negative attitude that people take towards physics. I think it's fair to say that the secondary (Middle+ High) school that I go to is one of the most elite in the country - yet I am yet to see another person with a passion for physics. There are countless who have dedicated their life to Chemistry...

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