Welcome to the University of Alberta

Luis Alberto D’EliaDepartment of Educational Policy Studies

Faculty of EDUCATION, University of Alberta

This power point PRESENTATION was written (and shared) by:

Professor DOUGLAS OLSENDepartment of Marketing, Business Economics and Law

School of Business, University of Alberta

Title: “Doing University” in Canada

Classroom Learning

Discussions

Preparation for Class

Other Classroom Issues

In the Classroom

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/effectivewritingresources.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.