Topic: What undergrad classes taught you the most, and how did they do it?

[Kayto]

In writing my list, I think I spot a reoccurring theme. I think I tended to get the most out of classes where I learned things that I could use (or at least relate to) in my everyday life.

Nutrition:
The book is excellent. I still have it 20 years later.
It's a subject that is always valuable to learn.
The instructor was certainly a strong skeptic (long before I knew about any sort of skeptical movement). She was very good at q & a and explaining fad diets and such through a "critical thinking lens."

College Algebra:
Homework helped a lot.
In class, we often worked in teams to solve problems. I have always learned more by helping others (maybe it makes more neuro pathways or something)

Physics:
Homework helped a lot.
The instructor did sample problems on the board, in class, that seemed like interesting real-world examples.

Microeconomy:
I liked the combination or math and psychology.
The instructor gave very good real-world examples.

Geology:
The instructor was REALLY into geology. He would schedule field trips to parks and geological places of interest with interested students as kind-of real-world tutoring sessions. He completely changed part of course due to a big earthquake in California. He thought the recent earthquake would make a better topic than what he had planned earlier.

[Karyn]

I should also mention that I hated group work.  It has never been a valuable tool, especially for people who also work while attending college.  I used to work overnights, and failed every single group effort I was supposed to make because of it. Yeah, I know work isn't as important as school, but eating and having a roof over my head are.  I once had a German teacher that required groups to rent video equipment and write and act in a play in german.  It was several hours of homework that contributed nothing to the course.  I'm not sure what 90% of it had to actually do with learning to speak German, and it was a total pain in the ass for the one guy in our group that actually had time to devote to the project.  If you want group work, do it during class time.

Also, various calculus, physics and astronomy classes were very eye-opening as to how fucked up and awesome our universe actually is.  Unfortunately, I was just starting to develop a panic disorder that was turning that awe into massive existential crisis that nearly had me running from the classroom once or twice.

[superdave]

These are some great answers guys

[seaotter]

Group work equals suck. Still good for me to be forced to do that.

[WC]

Physics of Photography. First college course I took at the UofU (in the physics and astronomy department, not the art department). Physics, maths, optics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, technology and industry, applications, and the history of of these things in photography, and the history of photography as an art and as a science and a technology. Blew my tiny teenage mind. I had more pounded into my wee little brain in that quarter than any other period before or since. The teacher was awesome. Lot's of dark room time, lots of toys, lots of hands on science labs. I got a C, and holy shit I worked my ass off for it. Best course EVER!

[superdave]

The answers here have been very helpful, it got me thinking that if i categorize them well it might be good enough for some sort of publication.  If I decide to write this up I will be sure to get permission to use your response and I everything will be totally anonymous.

[Beη]

I call dibs on first author *raises hand*