Learning Through Academics
JIBC provides many resources to help support your success. In order to help you adjust to the education system in Canada and make the most of your JIBC experience, we encourage you to become familiar with the resources available on campus and online.
Classroom & Study Expectations
You may experience some differences between the education system in your home country and Canada. It is important to understand the expectations of students and how to interact with others in the Canadian post-secondary system in order to support your success and meet your educational goals.
Note: Many JIBC programs are based on a cohort model. This means that a group of students move through a series of courses together. The key to success in a cohort is for each person to attend and pass each course so that s/he can continue and graduate with their fellow classmates.
Some of the classroom and study expectations at the JIBC include:
- Arrive on time (ahead of time is preferred) and attend class. Some programs and classes have strict attendance requirements so make sure that you understand and abide by these requirements.
- Turn off cell phones during class so that you can focus your attention and participate fully in class. Many classes have class participation as a graded component for your overall course mark.
- Speak English only in the classroom setting. English is the one common and inclusive language within our diverse community.
- Read and understand course outlines and any departmental handbooks or guides. The course outcomes and instructor expectations are included in the course outline.
- Complete homework and reading before class so you can participate in class discussion and activities.
Ask questions for clarification, to challenge information, and to extend your thinking. - Ask for help when you have a problem or are unsure. Ask your instructor, another student, visit the library, or participate in a learning workshop. There are many resources available to support you.
Program areas will typically review the course outlines and instructor expectations during the first week of classes. If you don’t understand, ask and get clarification from the beginning.
Canadian Learning Ways
Make sure that you introduce yourself to your fellow students and faculty. Feel free to ask your classmates questions, invite them to study with you, or share notes if you are sick.
Canadian faculty and instructors value independent thinking. In the classroom, participate in class discussions, ask questions, and contribute your ideas and opinions. Outside of class, meet with your instructors during their office hours. Ask questions about the course or get feedback on an assignment or paper.
In Canada, you are expected to take control of your own learning. Review the course outline so you are familiar with the expectations and evaluation methods used in the course.
Plagiarism and cheating is not allowed in Canada. Make sure you always reference the authors, books, journal articles, or websites where you have found your ideas for your papers and essays. You should contact the JIBC Library for guides and assistance with citing your sources.
Getting Organized for your First Week
Here is a checklist to help you get organized the first week before classes start:
- Participate in the International Student Orientation.
- Bring your study permit to the JIBC Office of International Affairs (if studying for more than six months).
- Introduce yourself to fellow students and JIBC Faculty.
- Buy a long-distance phone card so you can call home and buy a local SIM card with a local phone number.
- Make a note of important dates for the semester.
- Log into myJIBC to check your classes and stay informed.
- Purchase any required textbooks.
- If you will be taking transit, purchase a transit pass.
- Shop for household items and school supplies that you may need.
- Open a bank account (optional).
- Learn your Canadian address, including the postal code.
- Apply for a British Columbia Identity Card (optional).
Academic Support
Students often face challenges managing the workload in the postsecondary setting. They often have difficulty with time management, procrastination, study skills, reading, note-taking, and memorization. Students also run into challenges with test-taking particularly multiple choice tests and test anxiety.
The Student Support provides help with study habits, writing essays, exam preparation and more.
Services for Students with Disabilities
JIBC is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for students with disabilities. A disability may include any long-term or recurring mobility, hearing, visual, or learning disability, as well as a mental or physical health condition that affects learning. The Manager of Student Learning Support and Disability Resources works with faculty and staff to remove barriers so that students with disabilities can pursue educational goals with dignity, independence, and full participation within the JIBC community.
Eligibility for academic accommodation It is recommended that you advise JIBC of your disability when you register. To contact the Manager of Student Learning Supports and Disability Resources call 604.528.5884, toll free 1.877.275.4331, or email studentresources@jibc.ca. The Manager of Student Learning Support and Disability Resources will work with you to determine eligibility, and will guide you through the process of getting the accommodations you require. As some academic accommodations take time to arrange, we recommend you begin this process early. If you have a disability or suspect you may have a disability that affects your learning, the disability coordinator can help. Contact with students is strictly confidential unless the student provides written consent to disclose information.
Developing Your Academic Skills
Visit the Study & Writing Subject Guide at http://libguides.jibc.ca/Study_and_Writing_Skills
Study Habits
Dedicating time to regular study so you can keep up with coursework and prepare for exams is a good idea. Try to study in a quiet, comfortable environment without distractions. Concentration is easier without visual distractions, so face a blank wall if possible. Plan to study in short sessions of an hour each day, rather than one six hour session each week. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask for help right away. Don’t try to keep up on your own without assistance. Studying with a small group of peers can also help reinforce information that requires memorization, or that might be difficult to understand on your own.
Reading Skills
Reading for fun is not the same as reading for school. With most textbooks, it is more important to understand the main concepts than to memorize everything. When you have a lot of reading to do for a course, learn to skim articles and books for the overall content or the main points. Keep a dictionary nearby to check definitions while reading to save time and frustration. Improving your vocabulary will help you to decipher technical or difficult words much easier, and will increase your reading speed. With practice, you will learn to evaluate and understand the content as you read it.
Note-taking
The amount of information presented in-class can be overwhelming at times. It is best to develop a note-taking system that you can refer to later during your study time. It can be difficult however to know what information you should take note of. Prepare for each lecture by consulting your course syllabus for the topic of the day and any related readings for reference before class. During the lecture, listen for facts versus opinions; and try to take note of only the information relevant to the topic for the day. Organize your notes as an outline:
- Main topic
- Subtopic
- Support information (definitions, explanations, definitions, examples, or opinions)
- Subtopic
Create shorthand symbols for short or common words to focus on the main themes of the lecture. Take time to review your notes after class and expand on any ideas while the lecture is still fresh in your memory.
JIBC supports the use of technology to enhance and enrich their learning experiences. Use of laptops in class helps students take good notes and look up research described by the instructor during a class. JIBC Library lends laptops and iPads to students registered in JIBC Certificate/Diploma/Degree Programs, actively taking courses (Library account must be in good standing).
Time Management
Make sure your desk is always tidy so no time is wasted looking through clutter. Assess your day and plan a rough schedule or to-do list so you know what you need to get done that day. Schedule specific times to use your phone or social networking sites so you aren’t distracted throughout the day. Make a point of setting aside a few minutes daily to relax and focus on tasks. Try to be flexible with your time for unexpected emergencies. If you have trouble finishing everything on your list, keep a time log to assess where the time is going.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s creation, such as words, charts, graphics, calculations, or ideas, as your own without referring to the original author. The JIBC Student Code of Conduct Policy states “plagiarism, which includes but is not limited to presenting the ideas or works of another person as one’s own and using another person’s work without proper attribution.” The main goal of any essay is to present your thinking on a topic, not to copy someone else’s ideas.
Citing your sources is a key part of your essay or assignment. It shows that you are giving credit to the person with the original idea. It also helps the reader find the source of your information.
Examples of plagiarism include:
- The use of a quote from a source without citing the original work.
- Paraphrasing a passage from a source without citing the original work.
- Cutting and pasting a passage from a source directly into your own work without citing the original work.
- Passing another student’s paper off as your own work.
- Purchasing a paper from an online service.
Exam Preparation
Avoid test anxiety by being prepared well ahead of exam day. Take care to eat well and get enough sleep the night before. By reading through your notes and class readings as part of your regular study plan, you will feel better prepared at exam time. To study before the exam, read your notes or textbook and test yourself to see if you can remember the main points. Repeat this process until you can remember all the necessary information before continuing to a new section. Go back and test yourself to make sure you remember what you’ve read. At the exam, take a moment to flip through the pages and read all the instructions carefully so you know what your instructor is looking for. There are a few different styles of testing at JIBC, such as:
- Objective tests do not require you to write a lot. True/false, multiple choice or matching questions make up the exam and test your ability to recognize the right answer when you see it. When studying, look for information that can be answered objectively, such as names and dates. Create flash cards for memorization practice.
- Essay tests require you to remember details and organize the information into essay form. Review the course outline to refresh your memory of the topics covered throughout the course. During the exam, create an outline of all the main points you want to cover, and then write what you know about each. Keep an eye on the clock so you have enough time to cover everything.
- Short answer tests require concise answers to the questions, usually in just a few sentences. Review lecture notes and the textbook to understand the topics your instructor emphasized in class. Make sure you know the definitions of key terms
Writing Skills
Understanding how to organize and communicate your ideas will make the writing process easier. Make sure to read the assignment carefully and highlight key instructions. Ensure you understand the topic your instructor wants you to write about or develop a thesis for. A thesis is the argument you want to prove. Use your research and reading to create an outline of topics that support your thesis. Using the outline as your guide, begin writing the first draft with supporting facts from your research. Proofread, or have someone else read your first draft to make sure the thesis is answered or supported. Make changes or revisions as need be. The final draft should be free of grammatical and structural errors, and formatted according to assignment requirements.
Writing Centre: Any JIBC student can get writing support through JIBC Writing Centre located in room CL201 on the New Westminster campus. There are two ways to do this. You can meet with a peer tutor in person for a 45 minute session OR you can have a tutor review your writing through email. The tutor will not write your paper for you but they will help you develop your writing skills and improve your overall technique. For more information, please contact the Writing Centre Coordinator at writingcentre@jibc.ca
Using the Library
The best place to start your research is at the JIBC Library. The Library’s collection includes books, DVDs, journals, and audio-CDs. In addition, the Library provides access to eResources such as eJournals, eBooks, article databases, streaming media, case law, legislation, codes, and standards.
Library Services
Library services and resources are available to students at all JIBC campuses and also to online learners. A free mailing service is provided to students registered in JIBC programs, within Canada.
The Library catalogue and other online resources may be searched while on or off campus. The licensed eResources require a Username/Password for off-campus access. Librarians are available to help you find information for your assignments and to give tips on how to cite your sources.
The JIBC Library participates in AskAway, an online chat reference service that allows students to contact a BC post-secondary librarian during regular hours, in addition to evenings and weekends.
Computers & Internet
The 20-plus computers available for student use in the Library all have Microsoft Office and Internet access. Laptops and iPads are available for overnight loan to students registered in JIBC Certificate/Diploma/Degree Programs, actively taking courses.
Group study rooms in the Library are equipped with a computer, a 40-inch monitor, connectors for various devices, and a DVD player. Visit, e-mail or call the Library to book a room. The room may be booked for a 2-hour block, with an option to extend if no one else has reserved it. Printer, photocopier, and fax services are available for a nominal fee.
Research Tips
- Visit the Study & Writing Help Subject Guide http://libguides.jibc.ca/Study_and_Writing_Skills
- Define your topic and write a research question.
- Determine what information you need based on assignment requirements.
- Search for information on your research question, keeping a research log of terms you used in your search.
- Evaluate your findings, to see if your sources are relevant and appropriate.
- Cite all your information sources using APA citation style.
- Contact a JIBC Librarian: library@jibc.ca or 604-528-5599
