Organizing a Research Paper

If you have to write a research paper, you may not even know where to begin. This workshop discusses how by intentionally preparing yourself for the writing process, you can effectively structure your argument, write a clear and well-argued paper, and combat writer’s block.

Organizing a Research Paper

You may also find the following links helpful:

How to Structure and Organize your Paper

Starting the Writing Process

Tips for Thesis Statements

Bad and Better Thesis Statements

Recognizing and Fixing Weak Thesis Statements

Enhancing Your Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is a task that can seem either overly simple or overwhelming. In this workshop, we discuss how to select new vocabulary to learn, what contextual items should be learned along with new words, and best practices for studying new words. We also discuss techniques for dealing with unknown vocabulary.

Enhancing Your Vocabulary

Study the Academic Word List: http://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/awl.htm;

Examine the AWL sublists:  http://www.victoria.ac.nz/lals/resources/academicwordlist/publications/awlsublists1.pdf

See if there is specialized vocabulary for your field, or check your knowledge of the General Service List :  http://www.uefap.com/vocab/select/selfram.htm

Learn basic etymologies, to help you understand new words you come across: http://eapcslc.nd.edu/files/2014/03/Etymologies-Handout.pdf

Or make your vocabulary study into a game!: https://tefltastic.wordpress.com/worksheets/eap/awl/

Dealing with Challenging Situations as an International TA

There is always the possibility that teachers will encounter challenging situations in the classroom. International instructors may have the additional challenges of clear communication, and cultural expectations. This workshop presents strategies for preventing and dealing with these potential problems, and for promoting an effective learning environment.

Dealing with Challenging Situations as an International TA

Other helpful links:

Kaneb Center Resources for International Instructors

Tutorials in Managing Conflict (video suggestions)

Managing Controversial Discussions 1

Managing Controversial Discussions 2

 

 

Demystifying Networking and Interviewing: Strategies for International Students

Networking and Interviewing are both activities that can cause anxiety at the prospect of trying them, especially for those communicating in a non-native language. However, by using and practicing communication skills you already possess, and by planning ahead for potential situations, you can become a very effective networker and interviewee.

Networking and Interviewing for International Students

Strategies for Listening and Note-Taking

Listening, comprehending, and taking good notes on a lecture can be difficult to do, especially when working outside one’s first language. This workshop identifies strategies one can use to improve one’s abilities, and suggests further ways to practice these skills.

Strategies for Listening and Taking Notes For International Students

Purdue OWL Transitional Devices

ESL Lab

“Many Things” Listening Exercises

A Guide to Listening Comprehension and Note-Taking

US Classroom Culture: What to Expect as an International Student and Teaching Assistant

This workshop discusses how the American university classroom is influenced by cultural values that may be new to the international student. There are a number of techniques that teachers or teaching assistants can use to prepare for teaching in the US academy, and to create a classroom environment conducive to learning.

US Classroom Culture- for TAs

Purdue OWL Transitional Devices