First impressions of academic life in the United States might be
confusing; some students comment on informality of the classroom yet
high demands of the professors. The American educational system places
higher value on creativity, tolerance and flexibility rather than on
tradition and respect for authority. American professors want students
to respect their knowledge and opinions, but they generally prefer
discussions and debates to respectful silence. Teaching styles and
classroom attitudes vary greatly among faculty.
American Classroom Etiquette: There are some American student
behaviors that you might find surprising or that would be considered
disrespectful in your country. For example, students may sit in class
with their feet on the chair or their desk in front of them. They may
eat, drink, or even sleep in class! Students may interrupt lectures to
ask questions or even to raise objection to what is being said. In
general, none of these behaviors denotes disrespect unless done in a
belligerent or aggressive manner. In fact one way in which an American
student shows respect for his or her teacher is by being an active
participant in class.
Teaching methods: Lecture is the primary form of undergraduate
instruction at US institutions. Although attendance may not be recorded,
students are expected to attend. Material covered in a lecture class may
be closely related to the reading assignments or may be completely new
material. Reading the material before attending class may help with
comprehension of the lecture; some students choose to tape lectures,
especially when they have a problem understating the teacher. You must
always ask you teacher's permission before you tape a class. Some
lectures include a discussion section, when students are expected to
share their knowledge and opinions of the material. Other forms of
instruction include independent studies, seminars or internships.
Quizzes, Tests, Examinations: US colleges and universities
test students quite frequently. Students should be prepared for each
class to take a "pop-quiz", and announced short test that verifies
students' knowledge and their keeping up with class material. These
tests may consist of short replies, longer essays, True/False, multiple
choice or "fill in the blanks". If a student is having problems with
testing, s/he should consult the professor, academic adviser or
International Students Advisor for help.
Homework: Homework is a very important part of course work,
often consisting or reading. Students should pay attention to the
syllabus, handed at the beginning of each semester. Students are
responsible for all assignments given by a professor orally, or
described in the syllabus. Other forms of homework include research
papers, presentations, or group projects.
Conversation Partners Program: This volunteer program matches
international students with American students, faculty or staff. The
purpose of the program is for both people to get to know each other;
they may spend as little as one hour a week together, or meet more
frequently for activities. The American Partner is not a tutor; his/her
job is to help international students speak English in a relaxed,
nonacademic atmosphere while both partners enjoy getting to know each
other. For more information, please view:
http://www.salisbury.edu/intled/iss/StudentLife/convopart.html or
contact Dayna Jost at dj39288@students.salisbury.edu
Center for Student Achievement: With
intentional collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs,
the Center for Student Achievement seeks to identify, develop and
implement, as well as enhance critical academic success programs that
serve to maximize Salisbury University students’ potential for scholarly
achievement and success. Moreover, the Achievement Center will address
individually, those students who face unique barriers to success,
academic achievement, and degree attainment. Guided by an advisory
committee comprised of faculty and key administrators, a range of
ongoing strategies will be examined to best meet the needs of SU
students. For more information, please follow:
http://www.salisbury.edu/achievement/
