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6 Tips for Succeeding in University Seminar Courses

11/30/2016

 
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By David White

If you asked a sample of people to describe the typical university class, there is a good chance that many would mention a one-way transfer of knowledge wherein students sit at desks or tables listening to an instructor. While it is true that some courses do exist in this format, the reality is that university classes come in many different structures.


As you advance through your program, you will likely take a seminar course. A seminar is a class that generally involves a high amount of student participation and communication about ideas and subjects studied throughout the semester. Depending on what region of the world you were educated in, this format may seem very unfamiliar and even intimidating. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prepare for your seminar courses that can dramatically increase your chances of success.


1. Prepare in advance
In many cases, professors will provide interested students with the course syllabus in advance, including texts and resources that students will need during the semester. Because seminar courses rely heavily on class participation, it is well worth examining the syllabus closely and learning what you will need before the semester begins. This will enable you to familiarize yourself with the course subjects, as well as to prepare thoughts and questions before each class session.


2. Complete all assigned readings
As previously noted, seminar courses rely heavily on student participation. Simply put, you cannot successfully contribute if you do not complete the reading prior to class. Course material will typically range from simple to challenging, but seminar courses are a great place to face difficulties with assigned readings because it is expected that you will have questions. If there is a section of the material that you do not understand, do not skip it—instead, make note of it so that you can return to it in class.


3. Take notes
Seminar courses can be very exciting, especially if you are interested in the subject matter. These classroom discussions are a great place to learn about new concepts and to develop your ideas with feedback from faculty and fellow students. Of course, none of this matters if you forget the information as soon as you leave class, so take as many notes as you can. Note-taking may seem obvious within the context of university, but it can be far more difficult than you might expect. The objective is not to write down everything, but to write down the most important information in an efficient way that you will still understand later.


4. Record the classroom discussion (if permitted)
Very often, the seminar course is an ongoing dialogue that continues from one class to the next. Classroom discussions are as important to your success as your engagement with the course material is, so it is wise to take notes on these, as well. 


If you are concerned about your ability to take adequate notes, particularly during a faced-paced discussion in your secondary language, you may wish to consider recording the conversation on your laptop or smartphone. This will allow you to have a record of the discussion that you can play back and slow down in order to gain further clarification.


5. Participate in discussions
Succeeding in a seminar is contingent on two items: your willingness to engage with the course material, and your willingness to contribute ideas to classroom discussions. For international students, the latter can be stressful, especially if you have less confidence in your conversational English. Although you may not always feel comfortable contributing, the classroom is a relatively safe environment in which you can further develop your ideas and your language skills by participating in discussions. 


6. Ask questions
Universities can be chaotic places, with hundreds of people moving in several different directions. As a result, you may not receive as much time with faculty and advisors as you would like, which is why seminar courses can be a great place to get your questions answered or to ask for clarification around certain ideas.


As you do the reading or otherwise engage with seminar material, make note of anything that is confusing or that does not make sense. Having a list with you at the start of class will make it easier to know what to say and how to ask your questions.


David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors. 


15 Useful Phrases to Write Like a Native Speaker

11/22/2016

 
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​by Piers Golden

Learning to speak another language is a challenge, but having to apply it to an academic essay is overwhelming on a whole other level. If you are currently learning english and wish to write college level essays, there are useful phrases to include which will help your writing stand strong amongst other native english speakers. Below is a list of 15 phrases to help you learn how to write an essay like you’ve been speaking english all your life:


1. The objective of this...
Every essay includes an introductory paragraph where the purpose of the essay is clearly laid out. Use this phrase to introduce your topic.


2. On the other hand,
When comparing between two arguments, this phrase provides a professional transition from one idea to the next.


3. As a result, 
Along with the phrases therefore, consequently and accordingly, this is can be used to indicate a cause and effect relationship. You are revealing the consequence of something that can occur.


4. For example,
As the phrase clearly suggests, this is used to provide an example to help highlight your argument. Without examples, your argument has no valid evidence to persuade the reader.


5. It can be assumed…
Opposite to the above point, this phrase should be applied when you have no proof to support an argument. It is solely your opinion based on interpretation of available theories.


6. According to…
In an academic essay, you will often source a professional. To introduce their views on the subject, this phrase is great to use at the beginning of the sentence.


7. Despite this…
It is important to outline the counter-argument in an essay to show the reader you have considered all sides before choosing your own. After disclosing the opposition evidence, you can use this phrase to bring the reader back to your side.


8. What’s more,
A creative way to use also, furthermore or additionally. When you have other points to add in a paragraph, this phrase helps to start a new sentence with additional information.


9. In other words,
As a non-english speaker, you can understand the importance of needing something explained again. This is also used in essay writing. When a quote is stated and not easily understood by an average reader, you can explain it in easier terms again using this phrase.


10. Clearly shows…
Used to emphasize your bold claim in the argument  and persuade the reader to see how apparent the evidence is to support this.


11. A closer look at the data…
If there is numerical evidence to support your argument, such as an estimate of people or money value, you can present the data in this formal way.


12. First, secondly, thirdly…
All of the above words can be used consecutively to illustrate several points in one paragraph. Since it is not advised to use bullet points in a paragraph, these sentence starters can be a clever way to include a list.


13. Above all,
There is always one piece of important information to point out to your reader “above all” else. Place this phrase before delivering the best information you have and you will successfully grab your reader’s attention.


14. In my experience,
Although conclusive evidence is recommended, you can use this phrase to highlight your own personal experience.


15. All things considered,
A concluding paragraph is all about summarizing the main points of your essay. This phrase will wrap up your essay in a nice, clear way.


Your essay does not have to be restricted to the above phrases; there are alternatives that mean the same and are equally effective. However, these will give you an excellent start to improve your english writing skills and impress your fellow readers.
​

Piers Golden is a freelance blogger who has been writing professionally since 2013. Find Piers on Facebook.

5 Tips for Preparing for the GMAT

11/10/2016

 
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by Dixie Somers


The GMAT is not required for all graduate business college and university admissions (you can earn an executive MBA online with no GMAT); however, it can be beneficial and is required in many cases. Preparation is one of the key factors in determining how well a student will perform on the GMAT exam. Preparing for the test can appear to be an overwhelming task, but there are things that students can do to make preparation easier and more effective. 


Structure

Having a study plan will allow you to keep track of the different areas of the exam. The plan should include study times and material as well as taking practice tests. Each component should be scheduled, and progress should be monitored and recorded. This will help maintain focus and point out areas of weakness. 


Pacing
 

When the GMAT was changed to a computer administered exam, students were no longer allowed to see more than one question. Students must now pay more attention to the amount of time spent on a single question. Use the practice tests to get a feel for how long a section is and how long it takes to complete the questions. This will help you relax when taking the actual exam.


Study Material

With such an enormous amount of test material available, you can easily find yourself overwhelmed. Some students make the mistake of gathering too much material and find themselves at a loss for where to begin. The best option is to select only a few books. Books recommended by the test administrators are usually the safest choice.


Shifting Focus

As test time draws near, and more practice exams are completed, a picture should begin to emerge with respect to strengths and weakness. At this point in the preparation, more time and energy should be devoted to reinforcing weak areas. Areas of strength should not be abandoned, but a shift in focus will allow for more attention where it is needed.


Practice Exams

The most effective tool for preparing for the GMAT is the practice exam. In many cases, these tests will be archived copies of actual exams. This affords you the opportunity to see how test questions are structured and presented. Every practice exam should be taken in its entirety in a single sitting. This will help with pacing on exam day. 
​

Exams such as the GMAT can be intimidating. It is important for you to realize that success is directly related to preparation. A well-conceived and structured approach can greatly increase the likelihood of success.
​
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer. Find Dixie on Facebook.

SLANGMAN FRIDAYS: Political Slang

11/4/2016

 
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​The U.S. election is only days away, so check out Slangman's Top 5 Political Slang.


​"Slangman" David Burke is a world renowned expert on American slang & idioms. He has authored over 100 books, including the popular "STREET SPEAK" and "BIZ SPEAK" series, which are used by corporations, government agencies, and universities around the world.

To learn more American slang & idioms, visit David at Slangman.com. Use Coupon Code: STUDYUSA for a 20% discount on all products during checkout! 
​

Find Slangman on Twitter: @TheRealSlangman

Discounts on International Flights

11/3/2016

 
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​Want to get away this season?


To help your winter travel dreams come true, we’re partnering with StudentUniverse to bring you discounted airfare.

Some travel deals are available to all individuals between the ages of 18-25, some are available to students only.

If you sign up now, you'll receive an extra $25 off already discounted airfare.

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