Missing class may leave you feeling confused and hopeless.
It's a good idea to attend every class, but sometimes you can't help it if you're sick or have an emergency. Don't worry, all is not lost. With a little planning, you can catch up.
Just don't make it a habit!
Plan Ahead
If you know in advance that you'll miss class, what can you do so you don't fall too far behind?
Check the syllabus for what will be covered
Email your professor to let them know and ask how you can work ahead
Ask a classmate to take extra detailed notes for you
Do Your Homework
Before reaching out to others for help, do all you can on your own to catch up.
Read the assigned textbook reading
Review slides or videos from your professor
Try doing the class assignment
Make a list of questions about the topic
Go To Your Professor's Office Hours
Visiting your professor's office during their designated office hours doesn't replace attending class, but it's a great next step after you've done your homework.
Ask outstanding questions
Fill in gaps in understanding
Get guidance on next steps
Join A Study Group
Use the collective knowledge of your classmates to catch up and make sure you understand the material.
They can also offer different perspectives to help you understand new concepts.
Study groups can help by:
Sharing class notes
Filling you in on what you missed
Explaining difficult concepts
Quizzing you to prepare for exams
What Would You Do?
You have a doctor's appointment in two weeks during class.
You reached out to your professor to let them know you'll miss class.
They told you which pages to read in the textbook and sent you the slides for that class.
Your friend is in the same class and agreed to give you a copy of their notes.
Quiz
What's your next step to catch up?
Take Action
Make every effort to attend class, but if you can't:
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.