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Cultural Differences in classrooms
In many cultures, there is a great difference in status between students and professors. Students show their respect for their professors by listening quietly. They do not question what the professor says. In the United States, it is quite acceptable for students to ask questions and to engage in discussions with the professor. This is not disrespectful. In fact, professors view participation in class discussions as a sign of interest in the subject matter.
During the first class meeting, your professors will inform you of their office hours and when and how they can be reached. If you have a problem with the material presented in class, do not hesitate to see the professor during office hours and ask for help. Even if you do not have a problem, it is a good idea to drop in and talk to your professor. It gives both of you a chance to get to know each other. This may be particularly important if you have trouble understanding the professor, or he or she has trouble understanding you. Often, all it takes is a little time to get used to the other person's style of speaking.
At the time of the first class meeting, your professor will specify “due dates” for various assignments. These dates are quite firm, and you must hand in your assignment by that date in order to get full credit. If you know that you cannot meet a deadline for an important reason, contact your professor ahead of time and try to work out an arrangement that is mutually agreeable.
Smoking is not permitted in Hocking College classrooms, buildings or Residence Halls.
One thing you need to know about studying in the U.S. is that speaking and learning in English will be exhausting and frustrating, particularly in the beginning. Sometimes, International students have to spend much more time than their American counterparts to complete the same assignments. This can lead to stress and feelings of inferiority.
The most important thing you can do to improve your level of success in the classroom is to improve your English skills. Your English will not improve if the only people you talk to outside the classroom speak your native language. You have to speak to Americans whenever possible, watch television, listen to the radio, and read newspapers and magazines.
Interacting with U.S. culture will greatly enhance your ability to understand your colleagues and professors on the academic level. The more proficient your English becomes, the more successful you will be in the classroom.
If you are feeling pressure, you have to take the initiative and ask for help. You must ask to join study groups or ask professors questions. No one will approach you to find if there is anything you do not understand. However, classmates and professors are usually willing to help if they know you are having problems.
Be prepared to do whatever it takes to help yourself. Remember how much effort it took to get the opportunity to study at Hocking College, then put twice as much effort into your work to make the most of your stay here.
Definitions of Important Terms
Academic Year: The academic year at Hocking College is divided into four quarters (fall, winter, spring, and summer) of approximately 10-11 weeks each. Typically, awards such as scholarships and assistantships cover three quarters (fall, winter, spring). At the end of each quarter, there is a final exam period. There is a short break between each quarter. If you plan to vacation during these breaks, DO NOT plan to leave early or return late. EACH QUARTER MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRITY.
Technology: The field in which you are trying to get your degree.
Grades: The quality of a student's academic work is measured by letter grades; A (excellent), B (above average), C (average), D (lowest acceptable), F (failing). Under certain circumstances, letters such as I (incomplete), N (no grade), S (satisfactory), or U (unsatisfactory) may appear in grade reports; these letters are not grades and are not included in the calculation of a grade point average.
Mid-Term: A test given around the middle of each quarter.
Final: An exam given at the end of a quarter, usually on all the academic material covered in class. The final exam schedule is determined by your professor.
Quiz: A test given during the quarter, sometimes unannounced.
Credit Hours: The quantity of work a student does at Hocking College is measured in credit hours. The number of credit hours a course is worth is usually based on the number of hours it meets each week. To complete your degree, you must have a specific number of credit hours. Ask your Advisor for details.
Assignment: Out-of-class work required by a professor; for example, reading books, writing papers, or doing a lab report. Your professor will expect the assignment by a certain date.
If at anytime you are uncertain about your status, require assistance or have any questions, do not hesitate to call International Student Services at 740-753-3591 extension 2243 immediately.
The International Student Services is here to help you.
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