In the United States, classrooms in different universities are very different. Due to the diversification of teaching methods and the non-standardization of courses, no course is exactly the same. However, despite the diversity of higher education institutions, classrooms in American universities and colleges still have some similarities.

active participation

In many courses, classroom participation is not only allowed, but also expected. Some professors should refer to students' oral participation in their final evaluation. Although some courses are formally taught and students are in a passive state (such as attending lectures and taking notes), many courses are organized around classroom discussion, students' questions and informal speeches. In graduate seminars, professors play the role of "managers", and students give speeches and have further discussions. In such a seminar, students are actually teaching.

Professor's teaching style is another factor that determines the degree and type of students' participation. Some professors like to control the discussion, while others like to guide rather than lead the discussion. Many professors encourage students to question and challenge their ideas.

In the teaching of natural science and mathematics, the teacher usually controls the classroom in a traditional way, with the teacher giving lectures and the students taking notes. In the past twenty years, there have been new educational trends in the teaching of anthropology and social sciences. For example, in pedagogy, sociology and psychology classes, students are often asked to solve problems in groups, design schemes, make special presentations and conduct case studies. Since then, some colleges and universities have paid more attention to "application" than "theory", and they have emphasized "doing" and participation.

teacher-student relationship

Many teachers think that informal and relaxed classroom environment can promote learning. It is not uncommon for students to maintain a relaxed and friendly relationship with professors. An untidy professor is not necessarily a rude person, but he will still be respected by his students. Although students are subordinate, some professors treat students equally. However, no matter what egalitarian professors want to do, they are still in an authoritative position.