1. Welcome to the University of Alberta Luis Alberto D’Elia Department of Educational Policy Studies Faculty of EDUCATION, University of Alberta

2. 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

3. Classroom Learning  Discussions  Preparation for Class  Other Classroom Issues In the Classroom

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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/

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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/

23. 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.

24. 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.