After much preparation and anticipation, my first day of class at The Chicago School finally arrived. I was full of enthusiasm and zeal to meet the course professor and my classmates. However, I was also nervous, as it was my first class and I was totally unaware about the classroom culture in the U.S., except from what I had briefly learned at international student orientation.
My class was located in the Merchandise Mart, a huge multi-purpose building across the street from the main building, so it took me more than 15-20 minutes to locate my classroom. Although I had left for class with extra time to spare, I ended up arriving 5 minutes late. When I entered my class, students were introducing themselves, their background and why they chose the program they were in. I was surprised by the sociable and gracious conduct of the professor with his students. It recalled a conversation I had previously had with a friend in India who had told me the classroom culture in the U.S. is more student-led and less instructor-led than in India... She was right!
I also got to personally experience the comfort level U.S. students have with their instructors. Professors are addressed by his/her first name, unlike in India where that is not considered acceptable. It was a bit of a culture shock, but I found it an interesting experience. I think it is good for students to have more of a voice in class as it helps them to develop a greater level of self confidence.
My class was located in the Merchandise Mart, a huge multi-purpose building across the street from the main building, so it took me more than 15-20 minutes to locate my classroom. Although I had left for class with extra time to spare, I ended up arriving 5 minutes late. When I entered my class, students were introducing themselves, their background and why they chose the program they were in. I was surprised by the sociable and gracious conduct of the professor with his students. It recalled a conversation I had previously had with a friend in India who had told me the classroom culture in the U.S. is more student-led and less instructor-led than in India... She was right!
I also got to personally experience the comfort level U.S. students have with their instructors. Professors are addressed by his/her first name, unlike in India where that is not considered acceptable. It was a bit of a culture shock, but I found it an interesting experience. I think it is good for students to have more of a voice in class as it helps them to develop a greater level of self confidence.
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