I've noticed that sometimes the content in university can be quite challenging. If you really want to fully understand the lecture notes, and truly enjoy the process of attending classes and reviewing those notes, it often comes down to your ability to grasp the material from the very beginning. Everyone has their own pace and level of understanding, and for me, that initial comprehension isn't always strong. Attending classes feels more like a struggle than something I can enjoy.
That doesn't mean I can't enjoy the material at all, though. I've found that the day before an exam, when I go over the lecture notes, it actually feels quite satisfying. This is because by then, I've done a lot of practice problems, and I have a clearer picture of the entire system. Even if I don’t fully grasp the underlying principles, reviewing the lecture notes at that time makes me feel like I'm learning a lot. It makes me regret not looking at them earlier, as it would have significantly helped with problem-solving.
The issue I face is that I need to solve problems first to truly appreciate these complex lecture notes. This realization makes the process a bit frustrating. It also suggests that the quality of lecture notes depends on whether they can be understood at first glance. Although I think these lecture notes are well-written, they clearly come from someone with substantial knowledge. Sometimes, they assume I've already understood certain concepts, making it feel like they're discussing exciting topics I'm not yet familiar with. It’s like someone excitedly talking about a TV show you haven't watched.
However, when I do understand what’s being explained, it actually becomes quite interesting. I think to enjoy lectures more and to better grasp the material, it might be helpful to tackle some problems beforehand. Going to lectures with these partially-understood problems and their solutions could significantly improve my experience, more so than simply previewing the notes. This is a strategy I’m considering implementing. If I continue my studies into my junior and senior years, I plan to give this approach a try.
