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You may find that studying in the U.S. is a little different from what you are used to. Besides the workload, terminology, and different educational system, attitudes may be different as well. International students often comment that U.S. students are competitive but don't seem to study very hard, and that beyond the informality of the classroom the professors are very demanding. Some of these apparent contradictions can be explained by the values that underpin them. Creativity, tolerance, and flexibility are, in general, valued above tradition and respect for authority in the United States. Teaching styles and classroom attitudes vary widely and are influenced by many different factors. It may take you some time to get used to the differences in teaching. Your Teachers Professors are the core of the teaching staff at most instutitions in the United States. It is common for a professor to dress and speak informally; this must not be taken to mean that he or she has a relaxed attitude toward assignments, class attendance, or the quality of your work. Informal attire and speech in interpersonal communication are common in American university teaching.Teaching Assistants (TA's) lead many discussion sessions and labs. Teaching assistants are most often graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Some teaching assistants are themselves foreign students. Feel free to approach them with your questions and do not hesitate to ask their advice about course work, grades, or other matters. They are here to help you with your questions. Lectures, Seminars, Quizzes, Tests, etc You may not be familiar with some of the academic terms used. Below is a list that explains what you will encounter while you are studying here:Lectures are the primary form of undergraduate instruction in U.S. instutitions. Lecture courses may be large (500 students) or small (20 to 30 students). Although attendance may not be recorded, you are nevertheless expected to attend and read the material assigned to you. Consider recording lectures on tape, especially if you are having trouble following spoken English in your first weeks of school. A recitation (discussion section) is a class in which material presented in a lecture is reviewed and discussed. Discussion is considered an important element of American education and class participation may count for a certain percentage of your grade. If you do not feel confident about giving your opinion in class, at least be prepared to answer basic questions about the class material. Give yourself time to get used to the idea of class discussions and participation. Seminars are often associated with undergraduate honors courses or graduate study and usually enroll fewer than 20 students. They often cover specialized topics and involve discussions and presentations. Quizzes are short tests on assigned material Pop quizzes are unannounced surprise tests given by the professor to see if students are keeping up with their reading assignments or to verify that students understand the material being presented in the course. Examinations (Exams) call for specific, short replies or for longer responses in the form of essays. Often a combination of both types of questions are given in an exam. Plagiarism is the use of another's words or ideas without acknowledgment of their source and is considered a serious offense. Borrowed words and ideas must always be clearly documented. The consequences of proven or even suspected plagiarism can be severe (a failing grade, sanctions through the Honor Code, or even expulsion from the class or the university). Homework! The typical undergraduate course (3 credits) involves three hours of lectures each week, an additional lab or discussion section, reading assignments, quizzes and tests, a mid-term examination, and a final examination, as well as one or more research papers or projects. With most undergraduate students taking a minimum load of 12 credits, and most graduates taking 6 credits, you can see that keeping up with the homework is important! International students are often surprised by the amount of reading assigned for their courses, especially if English is not their native language. If you are having academic problems, discuss them with your professor or teaching assistant after a class or during office hours. Do not hesitate to ask questions! Academic Advising Academic advising is an essential part of your education; academic advisers help you choose classes that you will need to take in order to graduate. Each college and school has its own advising program; take advantage of these resources! See Ralphie's Guide for information on your academic program adviser's office number and phone number.The International T.A.'s Challenge: American Classroom Etiquette American students probably do not behave in class as you and your fellow students would. In the American system, a teacher must earn respect - it does not come automatically with the position. To earn that respect, you will be expected to teach like an U.S. university teacher. You will need to get used to the fact that some Americans call their teachers by their first names, especially their lab instructors or discussion section leaders. This is not a sign of disrespect. There are some other student behaviors that you may find surprising or that would be considered disrespectful in your country. For example, students may sit in class with their feet on the chair or desk in front of them. They may eat, drink, or even sleep in class!To be a successful TA in the United States, you must understand the expected roles of students and teachers. You may have to learn new ways of teaching, ways that are now unfamiliar to you. In U.S. higher education, students are often asked to evaluate their teachers. Negative student evaluations may mean that your assistantship will not be renewed. The job of a teaching assistant is not an easy one. Some departments invest more than others in developing the teaching skills of their TAs. To get the most out of your situation, consult with experienced TAs on your campus, and learn exactly what is expected of you. The Graduate Teacher Program offers workshops and individual consultations throughout the year. (call 492- 4902, or e-mail gtp@spot.colorado.edu) |
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