<p>I don't really understand how they work. I would appreciate it if someone can help me understand what discussions are exactly and when I should take them, before or after lectures.</p>
<p>Discussion sections are where you would go to discuss in a smaller classroom setting about the lectures, discuss readings, go over homework problems, ask any questions you have, go over outside material, etc. You can take them whenever you feel works in your schedule, but I feel that it would be better to schedule discussions anytime/day after lectures so that you know whats happening in class.</p>
<p>Discussions are only really useful if the TA is any good. I’ve had discussions where the TA just goes over hw solutions and isn’t very helpful. I don’t ever go to discussion sections, I’ve found Professor office hours to be much more useful.</p>
<p>Just go to the first few discussions each quarter and see if you’re benefiting at all.</p>
<p>sometimes there are quizzes in these sections, depending on the professor. ive had quizzes in section for gen chem classes, lower div bio, and a genetics class i took. Physics (2 series) has quizzes in their night sections, and the other discussion is an hour n 1/2 problem solving session. Humanities classes (revelle kids) discussions are required.</p>