Culture in the Classroom

 

1.    Teacher / Student Expectation

Informality, student/teacher dialogue, and student initiative characterize most Malaysian classrooms. Many international students are at first surprised and unaccustomed to this learning/teaching style. As you begin your studies, remember that Malaysian lectures expect students to ask questions and to voice their opinions, even if they disagree with the professor. Class participation and questions are perceived as signs of interest and involvement, not disrespect.

Do not hesitate to visit your lecturer during his or her office hours if you are not clear about an assignment or the material; unless you speak out, lectures will expect that you understand.

A lecturer's informal style of dress or speech must not be taken to mean that he or she has a relaxed attitude toward assignments, class attendance, or the quality of your work. Informal clothing and the omission of titles are common in Malaysian university teaching.

Beneath this informal surface lies a wide variety of individual expectations and preferences concerning student behavior.

2.  Examinations

Institute test students, particularly undergraduates, frequently. There are many types of tests given, and you should be aware of their differences.

2.1. Quizzes - short tests - are used most frequently in language and math   courses.

2.2. Pop quizzes· - unannounced tests - are given by the lecturer to see if students are keeping up with their lessons and assignments or to verify that students understand the material being presented.

Exams may call for specific, short replies or for longer responses in the form of essays. Many exams have both.

2.3. Short-reply exams- may have multiple-choice questions and answers where only one of four or five answers is the correct choice. Other short-reply exam questions are true-false, sentence completion, and matching. Each type of exam requires a different preparation and may be presented in different ways. If you do not understand what is being asked of you, talk with the lecturer or person giving the exam.

TIP: Ask about the exam before the exam. Most professors will give you information on what to expect. This will help you prepare. In addition, some lecturers will allow extra time to take tests. Talk with them for more details.

3.  Homework

 

A typical undergraduate course involves three to five lecture hours each week plus three hours per hour of lecture. This means that one three-credit class will require at least nine hours of study each week. International students are often dismayed with the amount of reading and studying required for their courses. This makes prioritizing very important.

·         First, always be clear about what is expected in each class so you can plan your study time carefully.

·         Second, keep up with assignments as the quarter progresses.

·         If you find that you are falling behind or feeling too much pressure, talk with your lecturer and the International Student Affairs Advisor. Do not wait until it is too late to make adjustments.

·         Research papers and research projects are another aspect of homework that may seem overwhelming. These projects may take more time for international students whose first language is not English. It is always best to start large papers and projects immediately when they are assigned.

4.  Group work

 In general, papers, homework assignments, quizzes, and tests should be   done individually, and evidence (or even suspicion) of collaboration (working with others) can result in a failing grade for the work or expulsion from the class or Institution. Studying with others is a great idea, but before you work with others on homework, papers, quizzes or tests, make sure the professor has given you approval.
 

   5.  Grades

International students sometimes find that their classmates are preoccupied with grades. This can be explained partly by the spirit of individual competition that is fostered and supported by their society. It is also a practical matter, as grades are an important factor in gaining admission to graduate school or getting a job after graduation. The basis for grading in each course will be determined by the Academic Affairs. Different weight will be given to exams, papers, class participation, and other factors. These factors should be clearly explained in the Course Syllabus, which you will receive at the beginning of the quarter.