You are sitting in a college classroom. It is the first day of class. Your instructor, whom you have never met, walks in, introduces himself, and hands each student a course syllabus. Prior to going over the syllabus, the instructor reviews his expectations for classroom interaction.

* Students should act as if they understand everything and never ask any questions.

* Students should never raise questions about tests or grades at any time.

* Students should not look directly at the instructor when she or he speaks. Answer the following questions.

1. In general, how do you feel about these expectations? Why do you feel this way? How does your cultural background relate to your feelings?

2. Talk to other students who have attended schools outside the United States. How do they feel about the expectations just outlined? How do their educational experiences differ from yours?

 

1.     My initial reaction to these expectations is shock. They are the exact opposite of what I have come to expect to hear from new professors in my school career. I have come to expect more of a relationship with my professors. They continually reminded students that they are free to ask questions regarding the course and any part of it. Another reaction from me, is confusion. I do not understand how one can learn anything if they do not ask questions regarding the course, grades, or material. I would transfer out of that class, because I would not feel comfortable having to deal with that teacher regarding my disability and limitations.

2.     I looked up information regarding the expectations of professors from students from schools outside the United States and came up with some very different results. One account I read, from a person who attended school in Ireland, states that learning was more “hands off”, it was more lectured based (with no student participation other than to verify information), and suggested not required readings. Still, another account from a person who studied in Denmark, states the exact opposite. They stated that the professors were much closer with their students, even hanging out with them outside of  school. The classes leaned heavily on lectures with more reliance on tests than class activity or writing. A third person attended school in China and stated that there were no student activities.

 

StoneyXC. (2020, December 9). Those who studied abroad in other countries outside the US: How was your experience and what were the benefits/drawbacks of non-American universities? https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/comments/k9ys7r/those_who_studied_abroad_in_other_countries/?rdt=61439