The academic system at Mercer and other institutions in the United States differ from most other systems in the world. To be a successful student, you will need to learn how the American classroom operates. Students, professors, academic advisors, and counselors will be able to answer questions for you, but here is a list of suggestions that you should keep in mind as you begin your studies at Mercer.
Evaluate Your Expectations
Have realistic expectations for yourself as you begin your study here. You will need some time to adjust to your new lifestyle, the American culture, and Mercer. International students often earn lower grades than they are accustomed to during their first semester. As their language skills improve and they become accustomed to the university, their grades improve.
Study Skills
In many countries, students are required to pass major tests for university admissions, and sometimes for graduation. In order to pass these tests, students have to memorize many facts, and students must study for hours every day in order to memorize everything.
Memorization is important, but in the United States, professors are happier when students can actually use facts to solve problems in new, creative, or unique ways. In short, memorizing facts is not enough. It is not necessary to memorize your books, but rather it is necessary to understand the concepts, and be prepared to apply and communicate the concepts to real-life situations.
Hard Work from the Beginning
You may have to adapt your study habits to the American educational system. The system emphasizes continual evaluation in the form of tests, projects, quizzes, and participation in class discussions throughout the semester or term, not only on an exam at the end of the semester or term.
Attendance
Almost every professor will have an attendance policy. If you miss too many classes or are late for too many classes, professors have the right to give you a failing grade for the course, no matter what your scores are. The professor will give you a syllabus at the beginning of every course: the syllabus is very important. Of course, if you are sick or have some emergency, your absence may be excused. You should be prepared to give some written evidence for this, such as a note from your doctor.
Syllabi (plural for "syllabus")
The syllabus will describe your professor's expectations of the class, assignments, projects, grading scale, attendance policy, and tests. You will be responsible for completing the material and following the rules listed on the syllabus.
Reading Effectively
Almost every course in an American university requires the student to do a lot of reading. Professors will lecture, of course, but many times the students are expected to get new information from readings – and the professor will sometimes NOT give lectures on the information found in readings. Even if the professor doesn't give a lecture on a topic, if it is on the syllabus, you are still responsible for learning the information.
Reading is frequently the hardest task for a second language learner, but there are some good techniques for you to use:
Step One:
SKIM over materials quickly, paying attention to the table of contents, the titles of chapters, the headings of various sections of the chapters, the first sentences of each paragraphs, and the summary sections.
Step Two:
READ over the material again. This time read more carefully, looking for the main points, the conclusion, and the content.
Step Three:
QUESTION what the writer has written. Ask: "Why is the writer saying this?" "What is the evidence for that?"
Step Four:
REVIEW the material. Look over your notes and try to retain the main points of the reading.
* Ask your professor about anything you do not understand in your reading materials.
Classroom Participation
In many countries, students are expected to sit quietly and listen to the professor. Often, students are not encouraged to ask questions or say anything at all.
Professors in the United States are different! Students are encouraged to ask questions and to voice their own opinions, even if they differ from the opinions of the professor! In the mind of an American professor, student comments and questions mean that the student is paying attention to the professor, and professors generally like that.
In some classes, you may be asked to prepare a short lecture or presentation to deliver to your class. Many such assignments are graded. It is normal to feel anxious about speaking in front of your professor and class. You should practice your presentation aloud to an audience of one or more, and ask for feedback before making class presentations. You can practice in front of your roommate or friends.
Many professors will include your class participation in the calculation of your final grade for the class. You will learn a tremendous amount from your participation and that of the other students in your classes.
Examinations
You will take many examinations in your classes. Most classes have a mid-term and a final exam. There are two general types of test.
OBJECTIVE exams test the student's knowledge of particular facts. There are five different kinds of question commonly found on objective tests. You will want to learn to deal with each of them.
Multiple Choice: The student must choose from a series of answers, selecting the one that is most appropriate.
True or False: The student must read a statement and indicate whether it is true or false.
Matching: the student must match words, phrases, or statements from two columns.
Identification: The student must identify and briefly explain the significance of a name, term, or phrase.
Fill-in-the-blank: the student must fill in the blanks left in a phrase or statement in order to make the statement complete or correct.
SUBJECTIVE, or essay exams require you to write an essay in response to a question or statement. Subjective exams often focus on the "big picture" and test your ability to organize your thoughts and relate knowledge of a particular subject.
Term Papers: You will write many term papers and other essays while you are at Mercer. It is better – and often a requirement – to submit a typewritten or word-processed paper, rather than a handwritten one.
It is wise to complete papers before their due date, so there is time to ask another person or your professor for suggestions for improvement. Do not be afraid to ask your professor for clarification of his/her expectations for your term paper. Make an appointment with your professor to discuss the topic if you do not understand. Be sure to carefully proofread and spell-check your paper before giving it to your professor.
The Academic Resource Center (Macon Students)
The Academic Resource Center seeks to help members of the campus community to attain academic and career success by promoting independent, active, and lifelong learning; scholarly achievement; and personal development. The Academic Resource Center is located on the first floor of the Connell Student Center, directly across from the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Phone #: 301-2669; e-mail: arc@mercer.edu
Hours of Operation:
2 p.m. on Sundays through 5 p.m. on Fridays; closed on Saturdays.