Exploring my University
-
Four steps to explore your university:
-
- Connect to school WIFI
- Find out which school facilities are free to use and where they are located! For example, Library, Eating and drinking area, IT services, student advice, on-campus art gallery, various laboratories.
- Click on the Goldsmiths official website to view the relevant facility introduction and reservation process.
- Find the building and room of your scheduled class in the first week
Finish the preparation of my study
-
5 preparations before the formal course:
-
- Log in to my student account
- View my course schedule
- View my course introduction, course preparation requirements, and assessment requirements
- Check out my course instructors and write down their contact email
- View and contact my personal tutor and connect with them
Understand the teaching system here
-
There are four main types of courses in the UK: Lecture, Seminar, Tutorial, and Workshop/Labs.
-
Lecture
Mainly focused on lectures by experts, there are usually many students from different majors attending together. The lecture usually lasts about an hour and is followed by a question and answer session. Content is primarily a method of conveying information about a topic. Speakers may use visual aids or distribute handouts Students need to take notes as they listen
-
Seminar
A way of teaching groups of on average 20 students Group discussion allows deeper investigation of topic Students may be asked to present / lead on set topics Group interaction through informal arrangement around a table
-
Tutorial
Can take place in tutor's office rather than classroom Often has a specific focus e.g. close study of a text Small 'class' of one or several students with a tutor This way of teaching allows more individual student attention
-
Workshop
A teaching session often with a practical focus Likely to involve hands-on activity as well as structured group work Students work together with an experimental or investigatory aim, sometimes using computers
Understanding independent study
In the UK, independent learning ability is the focus of postgraduate study.
Which of the following do you think count as 'independent learning'?
All of the above are examples of independent learning. It's always a good idea to preview and read literature in advance to help us better understand the content of the class.
It's also worth doing additional reading and learning as the teacher is only responsible for explaining the development status of a certain field. It's down to us to decide which direction to choose to enter deep learning.
Teachers and universities are there to help us, so we can ask teachers for advice on course selection or study, but the final decision is ours. To achieve our academic goals, it's best to seek help as much as possible.
If I don't say anything, it'll be hard for the university and teachers to know that I'm struggling.
Understand academic assessment standards
-
In the UK, critical thinking is not only the focus of postgraduate studies, but also an important criterion for academic performance evaluation.This requires us to:
-
- If I think critically when I'm read, I will not automatically accept everything that the writer says at face value.
- A reader who is thinking and reading critically will first want to consider whether the ideas and opinions are supported with reasons and evidence, so I need to search for any evidence of bias or one-sided argument in the writing.
- I need to notice what implications there might be behind a statement or argument.
-
Some other academic assessment standards can be found here.
Are you worried about your English? Come and see if other people feel the same as you.
In a new language environment, everyone has some language adaptation. This is normal. You are not alone!
Continue your language learning
-
The University offers a range of language support to help you develop your academic, writing and professional skills, as well as guidance in areas such as self-directed learning, critical thinking, attending seminars and referencing sources in your assignments. (The following example services are from UAL and DMU)
-
Online tutorials - Students can get help with a specific assignment or language skill. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
English classes -Improve your language skills with our art and design focused English Skills Courses. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
Self-study online English course - Helping you better learning English by yourself. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
English classes for your main course - Classes are designed for students who speak English as an additional language and would like support on their main course. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
Language events - Join our language exchanges and fun projects to practise languages, make friends worldwide, understand diverse cultures and share knowledge. The language community projects and events will help you spark creativity and make you feel at home. Get creative, have fun, and broaden your horizons with us! You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
English Test - You can take this English test to see your progress in improving your English. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
Language workshops - Our workshops involve creative activities, critical and reflective thinking and group discussion. You can visit UAL's official university website for more information.
-
Online Resources - A range of online academic and language support services are available to help you with your studies. You can also visit DMU's official university website for more information.
-
Grammar Proofreading Toolkit - a resource for students who want to identify and correct grammatical errors in their assignments. Visit the DMU university website to use it!
I understand my relationship with the university and my supersvisors and tutors
-
The university and the teachers are all here to help you achieve your academic goals. If there's anything you need or want to know, just ask!
-
How you communicate: You'll mainly be communicating with your tutors, teaching assistants and other school staff via email. If you need to meet and chat, you usually need to send an email in advance and book a time to meet offline.
-
How quickly they respond: It depends on what you're asking, but usually they'll get back to you within 3 to 5 working days. If you don't get a reply, you can send another follow-up email after three working days.
-
How to address them: You can address your tutors, teaching assistants and other school staff by their title and surname, e.g. Professor Jenkins, Dr Lowell or by their first name.