Transcript No Slide Title

Welcome to the
University of Alberta
Luis Alberto D’Elia
Department of Educational Policy Studies
Faculty of EDUCATION, University of Alberta
This power point PRESENTATION was written (and shared)
by:
Professor DOUGLAS OLSEN
Department of Marketing, Business Economics and Law
School of Business, University of Alberta
Title: “Doing University” in Canada
In the
Classroom
Classroom Learning
 Discussions
 Preparation for Class
 Other Classroom Issues
In the
Classroom
Discussions
 Professors often use class discussion.
 Professor will present an idea, example,
or case and ask for opinions.
 Generally, questions, observations, and
insights are all acceptable.
In the
Classroom
Do…
 Stay on topic and defend your position
without being hostile.
 Be open to new ideas and ways of
thinking about topics.
 Ask the professor questions, and learn
from each other.
 Make your point reasonably brief so
you do not monopolize the class time.
In the
Classroom
Small group discussions
 A chance for you to break off and
discuss a case, or example, with other
students.
 A chance to express your
views/experiences.
 Introduce yourself to others in your
group.
In the
Classroom
Small Group Discussions
 Often you will present your group’s
idea(s) to the class after the discussion.
 In your group…keep the discussion to
the topic at hand. Get to know your
group members better outside of class.
In the
Classroom
Come Prepared
 Read the sections from the book ahead
of time.
 If your questions are not answered, ask
at the beginning or end of class.
In the
Classroom
Other Classroom Notes
 Feel free to ask questions.
 Ask for clarification on notes, words,
spelling, etc.
 Limit questions about assignments to
the beginning or end of class, not the
middle.
Professors
Professors
 Professors are NOT gods.
 Want to see you succeed.
 If you have trouble with a concept meet
or e-mail a professor with your
question.
 If the question is long, meet the
professor during office hours.
Professors
Professors
 If you are unsure how to address a
professor, use their formal title (Dr.
Smith, Professor Smith).
 You can question what is said in class
… but always be polite.
 Use the professor’s office hours.
Assignments
Assignments
 Try to get them done in advance of the
deadline
 Consult with the professor on issues of
working in groups, or collaborating on
assignments.
 Try to find out what is required on the
assignment.
Group Work
Group Work
 Try to meet with your group on a
regular basis -- well ahead of the due
date.
 Clearly define what each member of
the group is going to do on the
assignment.
 If there are concerns about a group
member not doing their work, talk to
the professor.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
 Representing another’s work as your
own, whether it be from a book,
magazine, the internet, or a fellow
student.
 Any time use someone else’s ideas you
must site the source.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
 Consult with the U of A code of student
behavior at:
http://www.ualberta.ca/~unisecr/policy/sec30.html
 See the Truth in Education website:
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/
Grading
Grades
 There are usually many assignments
and at least one mid-term during the
semester.
 If there are any questions about your
grade, consult your professor to find
out where you went wrong.
Grading
Grades
 Grades are sometimes calculated based
on your score relative to the rest of the
class.
 If the whole class has done extremely
well you may not have as high a final
grade as you thought.
 This means that other students will
take plagiarism and cheating very
seriously, as it hurts their grade.
Academic
Resources
Effective Writing Resources
 Courses are available for improving
your writing and communication skills.
 For a schedule and fee list visit:
http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/academicsupport/effective
writingresources.cfm
Academic
Resources
The U of A Library
 One of the most extensive libraries in
Canada.
 Consult a librarian, if needed, on
finding a book or using the library
search system.
 Book an appointment with a reference
librarian for information on projects
and databases.
Other Notes
Language Barriers
 Ask for clarification.
 Write down words you don’t
understand and look up the
translation, definition, and
pronunciation.
 You can ask a professor to speak
slower… but it may not help.
Other Notes
Language Barriers
 If needed, take an ESL class and/or
find a language tutor.
 Try to make friends and work with
Canadian students.
 It may be tougher at first but in the
long run it will make things easier
for you.
Other Notes
Student Groups
 Student groups can be a great place to
meet people and to work on learning a
new culture.
 Visit:
http://studentweb.bus.ualberta.ca/
Other Notes
Studying
 Read the sections of the text that the
professor has assigned.
 If lecture notes are provided ahead of
time…read them ahead of time.
 Reread notes from class later on that
day.
 Do not allow yourself to fall behind.
Other Notes
University Life
 Take some time out of your schedule to
enjoy yourself – have some “you” time.
 Take part in some of the many
interesting things going on around
campus.
 Meet new people – they may be your
next best friend.