Use this guide, created by staff and students, to learn about the different teaching styles at Warwick, and how you can make the most out of your learning. Teaching styles vary by subject, so what you will experience will depend on your course.
Andre, Undergraduate WBS
“Learning at university is very different from school. It can feel like a steep learning curve at first - but don’t worry, you’ll adapt to it quickly!”
Casie, Postgraduate Taught Student
What to expect from lectures
Lectures are large-group presentations given by a subject specialist (your lecturer) on a specific topic.
Lectures usually take place in a tiered lecture theatre to a large number of students - sometimes the entire course cohort.
The purpose is to provide you with core knowledge for your subject, an overview of key topics and suggest ideas for further research and self-study.
What you'll do
Listen actively - lectures are usually not interactive and do not involve discussion.
Take notes on key concepts, theories, ideas and links between modules.
Note down questions and ask your lecturer afterwards, via email or during their office hours.
Casie's tip: "To prepare, set aside 30-60-minute to read or review lecture slides. Afterwards, consolidate your notes in your own words and style - this will help you to retain key information and ideas.”
What to expect from seminars
A seminar is a small, interactive group session led by a tutor or lecturer. They usually include around 10 to 30 students, depending on your module and department.
Seminars typically follow lectures and provide space for discussion, debate, and deeper exploration of key topics.
They are all about learning through conversation in a supportive environment.
What you'll do
You'll be expected to come prepared - read assigned materials beforehand.
Share your ideas and contribute to group discussions through expressing your, thoughts, and engage with your classmates.
Ask questions to clarify anything you're unsure about.
Take notes - capture key points, arguments or reading suggestions and review afterwards.
Casie's tip: “Set aside at least an hour before your seminar to read, review, and note down any questions or ideas you want to discuss. The more you speak up and share your perspective, the more you’ll get out of the session!”
What to expect from wet labs
Many Science, Engineering and Mathematics (SEM) courses include laboratory sessions, often referred to as 'labs.'
Wet labs are practical, hands-on sessions where students carry out experiments in a controlled environment.
Labs are a great chance to apply what you've learned in lectures, get familiar with lab equipment and develop your scientific skills through real-life practice
What you'll do
Read the lab instructions beforehand and complete any required safety briefings or courses.
Work collaboratively with a partner or in small groups.
Follow safety procedures, and ask for clarity if needed.
Record observations and results accurately during the session.
Student top tip: "Before your lab, take time to read through the instructions and understand the goals of the experiment. Come prepared with questions and stay curious. Labs are all about learning by doing, so don’t be afraid to get ask for help!"
What to expect
Dry labs are practical sessions where students use specialist software and electronic equipment in a computer room.
Dry labs involve computer simulations, data analysis, or electronics work.
They don't involve chemicals or biological materials like wet labs. Instead, they help to enhance students' technical and analytical skills.
What you'll do
Guided by an academic member of staff, you will complete structured activities.
You’ll usually work in pairs or small groups.
Use software tools to solve problems, run simulations, analyse data, or build and test computer systems. It all depends on your course!
Student top tip: "Make sure you understand the tools and software you’ll be using before the session. If something’s unclear, ask! Dry labs are your chance to build confidence with technology and develop your analytical skills. So dive in and don’t be afraid to experiment."
What to expect from module-based tutorials
These are small group sessions (usually 4–7 students) designed to support your understanding of a specific module.
They are mostly common in Science, Engineering and Medicine subjects.
They’re interactive, focused and discussion-based.
What you'll do
Review lecture content.
Discuss key concepts and theories.
Work through set tasks with guidance from your tutor.
Student top tip: "Tutorials are a great place to fill in knowledge gaps and boost your confidence with tricky topics, so come prepared with any questions or ideas you want to explore further. I’d recommend setting aside at least an hour before to do your pre-work."
What to expect
Generally, workshops involve the practical application of knowledge by completing tasks.
Workshops are common in many courses, such as Maths Theatre and Performing Studies
However the style and format of workshops can vary depending on the subject.
What you'll do
You’ll apply what you’ve learned with support available from lecturers and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs).
In Maths, workshop typically involve working through set exercises or worksheets.
In Theatre and Performing Studies, workshops could include drama exercises, group activities or performance based tasks.
What to expect
When working on your dissertation or final year project, you’ll be assigned a supervisor - an academic member of staff. One-to-one meetings with them are called ‘supervisions’.
What you'll do
You’ll discuss your progress, ask questions and receive tailored advice to support you in writing your dissertation, or project.
You'll be able to ask them specific questions, discuss key concepts in your work and extend the scope of your project.
What to expect
These group sessions (usually 20-30 students) are led by Graduate Teaching Assistants
They are practical sessions, in which students solve problems based on work you've done independently.
Examples/Problem classes are common for courses such as Mathematics.
What you'll do
These sessions are a chance to actively practice your subject knowledge alongside fellow students.
Ask questions and clarify anything you’re unsure about to solve the problems you've been set.
Note-taking - Top tips from students
Try different styles. Bullet points, diagrams, mind maps, colour coding, digital or handwritten. Experiment and find what works for you.
Focus on understanding. Don’t try to write everything down. If your lecturer uses PowerPoint slides, avoid copying them word-for-word. Lectures upload slides to Moodle (or my.wbs for WBS students). Focus on understanding the main ideas and concepts that your lecturer is discussing instead.
Capture what's not on the slides. If your lecturer writes on a board, tablet, or screen, be sure to note this down. This content may not be on the slides or online materials.
Expand on them. If your notes from a teaching session are short, take time to add more details. Do this while it's still fresh in your mind. (Within 24 hours is best!)
Review them on a regular basis. You make notes for a reason – use them! Reviewing your notes between sessions helps you spot gaps in your understanding. It also helps you find links across modules and prepare for seminars, assignments, and exams.
Use Microsoft OneNote: All Warwick students are get Microsoft365, which includes Microsoft OneNote. This tool helps you keep all your notes organised in one place. For example, you can create a tab for each module.
