… by Anna / from Larbert / BSc Mathematics / 1st Year (UG)
I think every new first year student is a bit uncertain about what university learning will actually be like. And thanks to the pandemic and the arrival of hybrid learning, it’s even harder than usual to imagine how your academic life will look. Because of this, I wanted to sum up what online and hybrid learning has been like for me as a first year maths student, and share some tips for how to get the most out of it.
Hybrid teaching
The teaching methods being used by the university are being adapted and tweaked constantly but in general, my teaching time in first year has been split between online lectures, small group workshops (with help from a tutor), and reading guides.
Online lectures are either live or pre-recorded and involve one lecturer going through key explanations and examples, whilst also giving you the opportunity to ask questions. On the other hand, reading guides are much more interactive. They are made up of short recorded videos and tailored practice questions, allowing you to put what you’ve learned into practice.
Workshops have been really helpful for me this year and I’ve had them both online and in-person. They’re a great opportunity to work collaboratively on problems whilst also getting to know more people on the course. I honestly found workshops a bit nerve-wracking in the beginning, but getting over my fear of speaking up and asking “stupid questions” has made a big difference and it turns out that most of the time, someone else is wondering the exact same thing.
One thing that has taken me a while to learn is when to stop and take a break. Uni work can be exhausting, but getting out of your room, going for a walk, or getting a coffee (that you didn’t make yourself) can make such a difference, and give you more energy to focus and enjoy your work.
Where to get help
I think everyone who has studied maths is familiar with the frustration of going round in circles on a confusing problem and, when you’re working from your bedroom, it can be easy to feel like you’re on your own with it. When I’m in this position, resources such as MathPALs and MathsBase are a lifesaver.
I’ve put links with more information below but in a nutshell, MathPALs involves weekly online sessions with older students to go through the material from that week. It’s a really relaxed environment and a great way to reinforce what you’ve covered in lectures, ask any questions, or find out more about the course itself.
MathsBase normally takes place in Appleton Tower, but this year it’s been running on Microsoft Teams. MathsBase allows you to drop in whenever you’re stuck on a question or concept and get help in real time from a tutor. It has really been invaluable for me this year.
Adapting to hybrid learning at university can feel like a big change from high school, but remembering to take breaks and ask for help when you need it can make your work much more enjoyable. It might take a bit of trial and error, but you’ll find ways of studying and learning that work for you!