Unit 2 Review• You have 5min to complete the Unit 2 Review

Assignment individually or in pairs• Be prepared to explain your answer(s) for

Question 1• Question 2 should be in answered in complete

sentences

• Answers:• 1. A,B,C,(E)• 2. Yes, the material was plagiarized. Although

the student cited the first sentence, he/she did not cite the second sentence which was an obvious paraphrasing from material from the original source

ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION & EXCELLENCECDN1001

Module Overview

• To provide students with a comprehensive overview of various academic policies and procedures at Lambton College that may be new to them

• To inform students on the most effective ways of communicating with instructors and faculty

• To demonstrate the best ways to achieve ‘academic excellence’

Spend 5min discussing the following with a partner before sharing with the class:

• What do you think this module will be about?

• How do you think your experiences at Lambton College will differ from your experiences at your previous university or college?

PAIR BRAINSTORM

PART I : ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION

• Academic Communication is characterized by formal language, proper grammar and is respective in tone

• All Academic Communication should be as clear and as detailed as possible. Instructors or faculty might not have the time to “fill in the gaps”; students are responsible for providing all the necessary information

• Respect is key. Instructors and faculty staff make every effort to communicate by clear and supportive means, students should do the same

• The above applies to both verbal and written communication

WHAT IS “ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION”?

• Keep in mind what was discussed in the “Canadian Communication” segment in Unit 1 (Canadian Culture & Society)

• Be respectful of the instructor or faculty staff's time. If you have multiple questions, you should be probably be asking via e-mail. You should also be conscious of other students who might be waiting their turn

• Avoid approaching instructors or faculty staff in pairs or groups, even if your inquiry is similar. Instead; elect someone to speak on behalf of the group and find out after what they have learned

• “Urgent” questions or concerns should always be made in person

• You may be required to make an appointment

COMMUNICATING IN PERSON

• Each instructor will have a different policy on how to best get in touch with them and when they are available outside of class to answer any questions.

• Be patient. Students should expect a minimum of 24hrs to 48hrs for a reply

• If you have not received a reply from an instructor or member of the faculty, consider what was asked; is it a reasonable request? Is the message or inquiry clear? Has a suitable amount of time passed? Was the appropriate person contacted?

• All Academic Communication by e-mail must include:• First name and last• Student number• A clear indication of the inquiry in the subject line

COMMUNICATING VIA E-MAIL

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

• Your myLambton e-mail account is the best way to stay abreast of:• Updates or new information from instructors• Student opportunities• Information regarding Co-op

• Students should check their myLambton e-mail at least twice a week

• Any e-mail correspondence with instructors or faculty staff should be conducted via your myLambton e-mail account

• Students are responsible for activating their myLambton e-mail account and should do so as soon as their accounts are ready (typically within 4 weeks)

• “I haven’t check my myLambton e-mail recently” is not an excuse! You can forward your myLambton e-mail to your regular e-mail account

MYLAMBTON E-MAIL ACCOUNT

• What does the expression above mean?

• Spend 5min with a partner and discuss possible meanings and how is it applicable to communicating with instructors and faculty

“YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH HONEY THAN YOU DO WITH VINEGAR”

"You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" is generally interpreted to mean that people will do more for you if you are nice/polite to them rather than if you are mean/rude

PART II : ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY

• As we already discussed, Canadian are generally raised to be independent. This practice carries over into academia where instructors expect students to be accountable for their actions

• Students are responsible for staying informed on changes to policy and procedures

• Being absent from class is not an excuse! It is the responsibility of the student to find out what was covered. “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse!

WHAT DOESTHIS MEAN?

• Instructors might have different policies regarding test or quiz procedures. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and follow these policies

• Before beginning a test or quiz, student should write their name, and student ID, and ensure that all pages are included

• When changing answers, make sure this is clearly marked as such

• It might take up to two weeks for an instructor to grade a test or quiz

• Always use a pen with blue or black ink. Do not use a pencil.

TESTS & QUIZZES

• Instructors might have different policies or requirements for assignments. Students are responsible for knowing and following these policies

• Assignments must be turned in on time and in the format specified (i.e. printed or e-mailed)

• Always include relevant information on cover pages (name, date, course code) whenever one is required and always include page numbers

• It might take up to two weeks for an instructor to grade an assignment

• Assignments are not permanently returned to students

ASSIGNMENTS

• Deadlines for assignments are fixed and are non-negotiable

• One minute late is still late

• Never leave an assignment to the last minute

• When submitting an assignment electronically, always use your myLambton account

• Students should consult their copy of the Students Rights and Responsibilities and Discipline for information on missed deadlines on account of sickness

DEADLINES

Location, Location, Location...

• Serious about getting work done? Find a good location. Use public libraries, cafes, or empty classrooms

Make It a Habit: Do Coursework Every Day

• Cramming is not conducive to understanding and retaining large amounts of information. Time on your courses each day is the best way to learn. Use the your half day out of class to stay on top of readings

Help Exists! Seek It Out and Improve Your Grades

• Whether you're an 'A' student or a 'D' student, you can strengthen your skills. Get to know your instructors. Attend as many on-campus seminars as you can

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

QUESTIONS?

Write It Down

• Use a day planner or wall calendar. Plan time for coursework. Plan ahead for assignments and exam periods.

Get Energized - Eat, Exercise, Sleep

• Fatigue and stress weaken memory and comprehension. Eat properly, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.

Do Something to Remember Key Information

• Be active! Generate examples, create mnemonics, make summary notes, identify key words, highlight textbooks, or add margin notes. Improve your memory by being creative and interested.

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

QUESTIONS?