[movingtohawaii]

"* Oftentimes I find that lectures are a really inefficient way to learn stuff. For example, in one class I can get through the slides of a 90-minute lecture in 45 minutes on my own, have more fun, and understand better. The key is actually getting myself to do this. Also, it's important to have a timer and glance at it frequently to make sure I'm keeping a 45-minute pace."

Couldn't agree with you more on this point. Over the course of this semester I've weaned myself down to only going to class on Wednesdays (today), mostly because thats when my labs are. Whenever I have a test I study a little each day for the week leading up, and I've generally been doing well. So now I spend about 6 hours a week in class, maybe 10 hours on homework, and then the rest of my time I'm working on personal programming projects or having a good time with friends! My grades will probably dip slightly this semester but I know that next semester I will have this system mastered, I will try to do the lectures the same day of the class, even if I don't attend.