Academic readings tend to have a high level of difficulty, and when one reads in a language other than one’s native tongue, the process can be even more challenging and time-consuming. This workshop addresses the strategies one can use to read effectively in various situations and with different purposes in mind.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Cover Letters for International Students
Producing a cover letter can be overwhelming, and the best way to get started is by studying successful examples from your discipline and related fields. This workshop has an emphasis on grammar, tone, and presentation of ideas specifically for international students.
Resources:
2) Web resources:
Graduate School Notre Dame: Cover Letters
Cal Berkeley: Cover Letters for International students
Purdue: Job Search for International Students, cover letters
Giving an Effective Academic Presentation
From lectures to conference presentations to job talks, you will certainly give numerous presentations throughout your academic career. This workshop focuses on what an American academic audience expects. It covers preparation strategies, proper body stance, hand gestures, intonation, eye contact, and how to use presentation materials effectively.
Resources: Powerpoint
University of Waterloo, Center for Teaching Excellence: Using Visual Aids
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
US Classroom Culture: Leading and Participating in Classroom Discussions
Successful classroom discussions involve more than just asking questions and letting students answer. This workshop concentrates on techniques for promoting constructive discussion and keeping discussions on track.
Initiating the Job Search–For International Citizens
International citizens who are seeking jobs in the US face a number of unique challenges. However, there are a lot of resources available, both at Notre Dame and online, and there are strategies for meeting each new challenge.
Paraphrasing, Using Sources Effectively, & Avoiding Plagiarism
This workshop focuses on how to use scholarly sources in an ethical and appropriate manner. Topics include understanding and avoiding plagiarism, paraphrasing others’ arguments correctly, and proper citation techniques.
Paraphrasing, Using Sources Effectively, & Avoiding Plagiarism
For practice identifying plagiarism, try a plagiarism quiz: http://nd.edu/~dayo/plagiarism/item1.html
For help using citation styles, see: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/
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.
How to Improve Your Academic English
How to Improve Your Academic English
This workshop presents several techniques non-native speakers can utilize to maximize their success when speaking and writing in English. Participants will learn how to identify and overcome the most common mistakes and problem areas encountered by international students.
Talking with Others about Your Research
As a scholar you must be able to make your work comprehensible to both specialists and non-specialists. This workshop highlights the different situations in which international students need to be able to explain their research, from academic conferences to dinner with friends. Learn what you need to cover, and begin composing and practicing your research spiel.
A “good” research pitch is compelling, concise, and conveys competency.
Talking with Others about your Research Notes