subject: Postgraduate Learning in the united states. Techniques of Teaching [print this page] Postgraduate Learning in the united statesPostgraduate Learning in the united states. Techniques of Teaching
The system of US postgraduate education differs greatly from European one. Classes in universities generally take up about fifteen hours every week. Nevertheless, there may be extra hours of lab work. The rest of the time between classes is free for study and entertainment. The common course involves 3 hours of lectures weekly, an additional laboratory discussion section, reading tasks, quizzes and tests, a mid-term exam, and one or more research paperworks or projects. There are several types of methods which can be used in school:
1.The lecture method. The method is popular with university teachers. Presently a college student should not write everything after the lecturer. Generally a lecture is read for a big audience in a formal manner.
2.Discussions are employed by lots of professors. The method is known for its connection between an instructor and a college student. Students learn not just how to express ideas but also to speak on various topics. Discussion differs from the lecture method greatly. To start with, an amount of students for discussions is rather small. Big groups are arranged for lectures. Secondly, the atmosphere is formal on the lecture, but during the discussion it's more informal. The most important objective of discussions is to involve learners into discussion, make them think critically.
3.Seminars are held in small groups of learners. The target of the method is to investigate a scientific problem in diverse educational areas: literature, chemistry, physics, and others.
4.Laboratory sections. Several academic areas are taught in 2 aspects: theoretical and also practical. Laboratories are needed to apply practically the theoretic information gained before. In other words, laboratories are organized to consolidate educational achievements.
5.Clinical experiences as well as internships are needed for social disciplines.
