Welcome to Preparation for Undergraduate Study (PUGS) Spring 2019!

Discuss: What makes a good student? What makes a good college student? What is the education system like in the U.S.? How is it different from the education system in your country?

U.S. Higher Education Critical thinking vs. memorization Concepts vs. facts Questions vs. answers Seminars vs. lectures Rewards students who participate and can think of new ideas

What is this class about? Process of learning, studying, and participating in American college classes Studentship

Professor Lori Rottenberg B.A. Creative Writing (Magna Cum Laude) M.A. Linguistics and Teaching ESL (4.0) Taught ESL at VT, Georgetown, and GMU 20 years as professional writer and editor, continue to publish poetry Visiting poet for Arlington Public Schools since 2007 Acting and singing experience in paid and community theater productions

Introductions Your name How long have you studied English? What do you want to do after your English studies? What are your biggest concerns about studying in college in the U.S.? What do you want to get out of this course?

Goals of the Class Gain confidence in and develop strategies for: Developing, researching, and giving presentations. Making personal contributions to class discussions. Responding to academic readings in class. “Unpacking” academic assignment and test prompts.

Syllabus Course Description Course Objectives Course Textbook Course Requirements Grading Important Dates Online Class Resources Course Expectations Honor Code and Disabilities

Course Requirements Daily in-class exercises and homework Class discussions led by YOU Quizzes Oral presentations Final exam

How to Do Well in This Class Come to class, on time and ready to work. Pay attention in class, ask questions, and contribute to class discussions and small groups. Do all your homework—yourself! Prepare oral presentations in advance and spend time practicing. Spend time outside of class listening to and speaking English.

Why Students Fail 80% Studentship-20% Language Failure to come to class or come on time Unfocused and disorganized in class Failure to get or bring textbooks/materials Failure to do homework Plagiarism Failure to read or listen to English daily!

Reading Rocks!

If You Start to Have Trouble… Come speak to me as soon as possible! Ask if you don’t understand something! Do not wait! Do not be embarassed! Do not let undone assignments pile up! Remember: The ONLY “dumb question” is the one you DON’T ask!

Ways to Get Help Request tutoring in the LRC Ask to meet with me Participate in every extra opportunity to speak or listen to English that you can! LRC Workshops English Corner Conversation Partners Destination Mason activities

Model for Learning… No! Yes! I shine the flashlight to guide your way, but only YOU can walk the path.

Homework Buy your textbook ASAP! Complete Myers Briggs self-assessment and complete reflection for Thursday.

I’m looking forward to a great semester!