7 Biggest Academic Mistakes to Avoid in College | IIT prof's tips

I discuss 7 of the biggest academic things students need to keep in mind when starting out in college life.

00:00 Introduction
00:28 Neglecting Grades
00:43 Coursework vs Learning Subjects
05:45 Note-making
10:30 Attendance
12:05 When profs are not good
14:13 Handling bad performance
16:14 Project work vs Curricular studies

Disclaimer: I am a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department of IIT Kharagpur. However, the views expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my Department or my Institute.

#jc #CollegeLife #Academics

[jahnvisingh]

Notes from the video:

1. Do not neglect grades (has a significant impact on higher studies and technical jobs)

2. Be diligent in completing the coursework. First, be thorough with the lecture material, then only move to the advanced stuff.

3. Prepare notes, especially for the insights and analyses of difficult concepts(which are usually not mentioned in books)

4. Try to attend most of the classes (atleast stay up to date with the progression of the coursework). Effectively utilize the time during the classes.

5. Make use of online resources as and when required. But treat them as lectures and not shows to be passively watched. Find a single, comprehensive and robust resource and stick to it.

6. Be careful at handling bad performances. Try to maintain some sort of data of your errors and pitfalls. Identify the root flaw in the understanding using Socratic Reasoning.

7. Focus primarily on curriculum in the first year, especially, math and programming. Once a sense of understanding of the broader nature of the Department curriculum is obtained, then progress with projects.


(For a sidenote, I have added my personal insights in these notes as well)

[ashlin_nit_c]

Guys, I have seen many students avoiding academics after entering IITs/NITs . They thing only just by getting into these prestigious institutes would guarantee a better future. Its not the case. U have to work hard wherever u go.
I know many would be joining IITs and NITs with the idealogy of enjoying the 1st yr at college after coming through a tough path for last 2 yrs. But dont neglect academics at any cost.
Yes, u will have tym for fun and everything. Manage ur tym wisely and have a amazing college lyf. All the best ❤

[seeker]

I could not get an IIT college but I have got an NIT (Rourkela)...I will follow your advice certainly dear sir!....You are a nice human being ❤

[madadharmiksai]

Thanks a lot for your recent videos..
I will be joining IIT KGP this year in the department of metallurgical and material engineering.. I will try to follow the advice you have given!!

[roopambhakta]

You really post content when we need it the most. Thank you so much sir.

[lucrativechili]

I will be joining IIT Delhi (Electrical) this year, I am glad that you are doing this on youtube, speaking wit accountability and experience without any ulterior motives. Please keep it up.

[souradeepchakraborty]

Actually Prof. Chakraborty, I really agree with your advice regarding the difference between 'course' and 'subject'. To be honest, when my semesters used to go on in first year, I focused on learning only the course material. Later, during the winter and summer breaks, I learnt the subjects as a whole. It's because of the limited amount of time we get during the semester period 🥲.

[ashwith]

On the point about gaining insights during problem solving.

I think this needs to be expanded upon. Prof. Nagendra Krishnapura from IITM makes a similar point during his introduction lecture for Analog IC Deaign. As students, many of us mindlessly drill through problems without spending time reflecting on what we've done. I realised the importance of this only when I started working. At work, the main way we learn daily is learning from the work we do each day. This is impossible of we work mindlessly as machines.

[unknownDK]

Thank you sir for your videos, they've always answered our queries. I am joining IIT-Roorkee this year in electrical engineering, and will surely follow your advices.

[ShiladityaBhattacharya]

I will going to IIT BOMBAY ( Metallurgy ) this year 2024, thanks a lot sir, keep your blessings with us, and hope my engineering life will in joy and happiness ❤ lots of love 💞

[AyushTiwari-hl]

Thank you professor,
I will be joining IIT D Biotech branch. Started to watch your videos during the pre-counseling period. Anyways, here, your advice was invaluably great, especially your insight on note-making. I hope that you will guide us through this entire 4 year journey.

[Kausickkk]

I never prepared for jee, I'll be starting my engineering journey in Assam engineering college this year but your content is really helping me to start my journey strong. Thank you sir.

[rockybalboa]

I graduated from SRCC in 2019 i wish somebody gave me these advise. Thanks sir! You are serving nation.

[Sumit_Singh]

Thank you Professor you are the manof words .We request video on this topic and you made it.I m grateful for your effort .In few days I m going to college. This will definitely help in our college journey 🙏❤️

[chandanasarkar]

Thank you Sir for your valuable advice! I will definitely follow them in my college years in Jadavpur University (I am joining the ETCE Department)

[AryanMishrapslv]

Going to Tier 3 college I will do my best there and try to follow all your tips, Thank you sir

[Er.Aakash]

Sir, I've just joined a private engineering college, but I will prepare for the GATE Exam. Can you make a video on it that how to utilise my 4 year time

[jahnvisingh]

Thank you for the video !!
Also professor, how would you suggest the Socratic Reasoning/Questioning for the engineering disciplines. Should I utilize my time before the session starts learn to implement it ?

Secondly, how would you advise to take notes during lab sessions or practicals, when the discourse is primarily verbal.

Also, what is the correct way to ask doubts to professors? At school, I used to resolve my doubts, usually written down in a notebook, two- three days after the lecture, in order to properly understand where I lacked. Would it be practical to do the same at college ?

Is it possible to use the law of compounding to excel in the coursework at college ? The concept finds its mention innumerable times in productivity books and lectures, does it apply to the process of learning engineering subjects as well ?

[lapylaptop]

Since I am IISERB second year, my experience says it is the summary of all the questions a fresher asks to his seniors😅😅

[warriordefenderw_d]

Sir your words are the biggest guidance for us and teaches us from the root of your own experiences and that's a true blessing for us. In this month i will take admission in college.