Global Utilities

La Trobe University
University Preparation

Shem speaks

Shem - Language and Academic Skills adviser

Listen to Shem's talk and see if you can answer the questions below:

 

  • What advice would you give to students?
  • What should students do if they are having difficulties with their workload?

Some comprehension questions

When working with students, what is the first thing that an adviser does? (Choose ONE):
Choice 1 Check that the student has been attending all classes.
 Choice 2 Look at the question or task that the student has been given, and check that the student understands what they are required to do to answer that question.
 Choice 3 Correct all the mistakes in the grammar of the writing that the student has done so far.
When students need to get information for their essays or assignments, they need to use a number of different sources or materials. What sources of information does Shem describe? (Tick the THREE sources of information he talks about):
Choice 1 Books from the Library.
 Choice 2 Newspapers.
 Choice 3 Journals from the Library.
 Choice 4 Journals from the Internet.
 Choice 4 Lecture notes.
In a second or follow up appointment a student and an adviser might do which of the following things? (Tick the FIVE things he talks about):
Choice 1 A student might bring the information that they have found about the topic.
 Choice 2 The student might bring some summaries of what they have read.
 Choice 3 The student and adviser might begin to look at the arguments / main ideas that will be used in the assignment.
 Choice 4 The adviser might contact the lecturer to find out more about the assignment.
 Choice 4 The adviser will look at some of the arguments to see if they can be clearly understood.
 Choice 4The adviser will correct all the English in the assignment.
 Choice 4The adviser will look at some of the student’s writing to see if there are grammar errors or wrongly used words.
If you get behind or are late with your work, what does Shem suggest that you should do? (Tick the SIX things he suggests):
Choice 1Don’t panic.
 Choice 2 See an adviser.
 Choice 3 Have a coffee or drink with your friends.
 Choice 4 Make a plan about how you can catch up.
 Choice 4 Consider handing in something that is not perfect or ‘not the best thing you’ve ever done’.
 Choice 4 Consider asking for an extension (more time).
 Choice 4 Consider dropping out (quitting) the subject or your entire course.
 Choice 4 Make contact with your lecturer to tell them what you’re are doing or explain any difficulties you are having.
Shem finishes by describing the type of things he believes students should do. In summary he is saying that students should be; (Choose the ONE best answer):
Choice 1 Independent learners.
 Choice 2 Dependent learners.

 

Further information

In the right hand column are some links to resources related to Shem's talk.

Resources

See also