Office hours

This article is about a learning context, i.e., a broad context in which learning takes place.
See list of learning contexts

Definition

Office hours are a learning context where an explainer is available to field questions from learners -- individually or in groups -- at the initiative of the learner(s). Office hours are often offered in the context of a course at an educational institution, but they may also be offered in other contexts, such as an ask-me-anything (AMA) by a subject matter expert to self-learners, or a live session with learners by the author of a textbook or video series.

Office hours may be walk-in -- where an explainer offers a time range when learners can drop in and ask questions -- or appointment-only -- where learners are expected to make appointments.

Learning contexts

As a complement to classes in courses

Office hours can complement classes in courses. The synchronous multi-learner nature of classes means that learners may not get enough time to resolve their misconceptions and achieve the level of mastery they would like to. While learners can partly make up for this by self-learning at home, office hours also allow the learner to benefit from the explainer's knowledge.

As a complement to self-learning (text or video)

For self-learners following a text or video, office hours with the creator of the text or video can offer unique opportunities. First, it gives the learner the chance to interact synchronously. Setting substantive content aside, even the experience can be positive for learners. The learner also gets a chance to address confusions and misconceptions that may go undetected with self-learning. The explainer also gets feedback from learners that can be used to iterate on the learning material.