Page Comparison

 A. Lectures
The most common method of instruction here is the classroom lecture. The lectures are supplemented by classroom discussion (especially when classes are small), by discussion groups (especially when classes are large), by reading assignments in textbooks or library books and perhaps by periodic written assignments and class presentations.

It is important for students to contribute to the discussion in the classroom. In some countries, it is disrespectful for the student to question or challenge the professor. In this country, questioning or challenging the professor is viewed as a healthy sign of interest, attention and independent thinking. In many classes your grade will be determined in part by your contribution to class discussion. If you sit in respectful silence, it is likely to be assumed that you are not interested in what is being said in class or that you do not understand any of it.

When the class is too large to permit questions and discussion, or if for some other reason you do not have the opportunity to raise questions in class, you may visit privately with the professor during office hours or make an appointment to see him/her in the office. Professors usually announce their office hours at the first meeting of the class or in the course syllabus. In the case of large classes, usually there are also teaching assistants who are available to answer questions.

B. Seminars
A seminar is a small class. It is likely to be devoted entirely to discussion. Students are often required to prepare presentations for the seminar, based on their independent reading or research.

C. Laboratories
Many courses require work in a laboratory where the theory learned in a classroom is applied to practical problems.

D. Term Papers
In some courses you will be required to write a term paper (often called simply a "paper"). A term paper is based on study or research you have done in the library or laboratory. Your professor will usually assign a term paper in the early part of the course. You are expected to work on it during the semester and submit it by a given date. The grade you receive on the term paper may constitute a significant portion of your grade for the entire course. It is wise to complete term papers in advance of their due date, so there is time to ask another person to review your paper and suggest revisions.

Information is available in the ALPHA Center (N4012–4015) for formatting of a term paper, including the use of citations and bibliographies. Information is also available online in Moodle. If you have questions about a particular term paper assignment, you should discuss them with the professor or contact the ALPHA Center.

Written work is to be submitted in typed form, not handwritten. It is possible to hire someone to type your paper for you, but it is expensive to do so. There are computers available in the computer labs in Riley Hall, the library and in the Student Center.

In preparation of term papers and in doing assignments for your classes, you are likely to use the library more than you have in the past. It is important, therefore, to learn how the library is organized. The library has trained employees who are happy to answer your questions about the library's organization, the location of specific materials, bibliographies, etc.

E. Examinations

You will have many examinations. Many have a mid-term examination near the middle of the semester, and nearly every class has a final examination at the end of the semester. There may be additional tests or quizzes given with greater frequency, perhaps even weekly. All these tests are designed to assure that students are doing the work that is assigned to them and to measure how much they are learning. There are two general types of tests:

1.  Objective Examinations

An objective examination tests the student's knowledge of particular facts. International students can have difficulty with objective examinations, not because they do not know the material on which the test is based, but because they are unfamiliar with the format of the test and because their English linguistic proficiency is not advanced enough to enable them to distinguish subtle differences in meaning. There are five different kinds of questions commonly found on objective examinations. You will want to learn to deal with each of them.

1. 1. Multiple Choice—The student must choose from among a series of answers, selecting the one (or more) that is most appropriate.
   2. True and False—The student must read a statement and indicate whether it is true or false.
   3. Matching—The student must match words, phrases or statements from two columns.
   4. Identification—The student must identify and briefly explain the significance of a name, term or phrase.
   5. Blanks—The student must fill in the blanks left in a phrase or statement in order to make it complete and correct.
2. Subjective ExaminationsUsually called essay questions, subjective examinations require the student to write an essay in response to a question or statement. This kind of examination tests a student's ability to critically reflect and analyze, to organize, and to relate his or her knowledge of a particular subject.
3. Take-Home Examinations
   This type of exam is similar to homework. Students are given a question or number of questions to answer within a specified number of days. To justify the length of time allowed, a high quality of work is expected. All non-original sources and materials used or referred to should be acknowledged in citations and bibliography.
4. Open-Book Examinations (sometimes administered online in Moodle)
   Students are allowed to bring and consult textbooks during the exam. These exams usually consist of essay questions that are more complicated than those of a simple essay exam.

Professors may sometimes tell you what type of exam to expect, provide and study guide, or give you an example of possible questions. If not, it would be helpful to ask about the structure of the exam. In-class exams are limited in time, which can be a disadvantage for students who do not have a high level of English proficiency or who write very slowly. If you think you might have difficulty for this reason, discuss in advance with the professor the possibility of being allowed extra time. Also ask the professor if you can use a dictionary if you feel you will have difficulty understanding some words. Use caution, however, in how much time of the test you spend using the dictionary.

You should not look at other students' papers during an examination. To "cheat" on an examination by getting answers from other students or from materials brought to the test can result in a failing grade for the examination and in disciplinary action including dismissal from school.