Tips and Tricks :
Studying @ KU Leuven.
Orientation Days
05/02/2014
Karel Joos
Study Advice Service
Introductory video
Video : Study Succes @ K.U.Leuven
(www.kuleuven.be/studysupport)
Themes
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Relationship Student-Professor
Study Method
Time Management
Cultural Differences in the Study Approach
Different kinds of courses and assignments
Writing Papers/Master Thesis
Exam Expectations
Practical Information
Relationship Student-Professor
• Not too familiar
• Asking the professor questions?
o
In class : relevance for others
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After class : ‘argumented’ question
• Respecting the hierarchy
• Professors appreciate :
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Critically
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Coöperating
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Independent
Study Method
• Is taking notes necessary?
Student course books?
• What to learn and how?
o Text book (marking, reading, analysing)
o Exercises (familiar and new)
o Notes
• Memorizing literally?
o To know – to do
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Own examples, counter examples
Comparisons
Exercises
Applications
Critical point of view, …
Time Management
• Hours of studying
• When to begin?
• Where to study?
Room
o Library
o Agora
• Study planning
• What does the academic year look like?
o
Overview of the academic year
Cultural Differences in the Study Approach
• Selection before or after studying?
Passing the admission in the beginning ≠ passing the
exams at the end?
• Exam expectations
• Independant thinking and studying
o courses and assignments
o
(Academic) culture
• Power distance
• Individualism
• Masculinity
• Uncertainty
avoidance
• Pragmatism
• Indulgence
http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html
Different kinds of courses and assignments
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Lecture/Tutorial
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Exercise Session - Integrated Practical (compulsory,
permanent evaluation)
Group Presentations
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Paper/Essay
Master Thesis/Dissertation (independent working,
limited coaching)
Writing papers/master thesis
• Goal : personal, independant synthesis of literature
• What is plagiarism?
Copying or paraphrasing (articles, sites, …) without
acknowledgment.
• Referring and citing : some misconceptions : insulting
the professor.
• Consequences at KU Leuven :
o http://www.kuleuven.be/plagiarism/
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Exam Expectations
• Examination Forms
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Oral (feedback of prof)
Written
• Open questions (structure)
• Multiple choice (guessing : -1/3 for wrong answer)
Paper (plagiarism)
o Presentation (not only content)
o Exercises
• Deliberation Criteria
o Master : zero tolerance >< Erasmus
• Ombudsperson
o
Grading
(mere indication of what to expect in general)
Mark
Transcript
US
ECTS
% of
succesfull
Your answer
20
Outstanding
A+
A
10%
Exceptional, additional
analyses, additional
information
Very good
A
B
25%
19
18
17
16
15
Good
A-
14
13
Above average
Satisfactory
10
30%
D
25%
Structuring answer
B
12
11
C
Own examples,
counter examples,
comparisons, critics,
application, exercises
B-C+
C
E
10%
Memorizing literally,
basic understanding
8-9
Insufficient
D
Superficial knowlegdecomprehension
0-7
Very insufficient
F
Lack of knowledgecomprehension
Grading for Exchange
• Conversion of marks
www.kuleuven.be/onderwijs/ects/situering/faculteiten
• F.i.
o 14/20 in KU Leuven
o = +/- 50% of passed (>10/20)
o corresponds to 50% of passed in your home university
o = ???
o
Practical information
• Registration
Student number + Passwords for Toledo and ISP
• Start classes : Monday Feb. 9th ‘15
• ISP = Individual Study Programme + IER (“Individueel
ExamenRooster”, Individual Exam Schedule)
o Choosing electives
o Numerus clausus?
o Exam planning
o Before Wed 25th of Feb
o Sessions in faculty/programme
• Toledo : toledo.kuleuven.be
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Digital info
• www.kuleuven.be/studysupport
Support, services at K.U.Leuven
• www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice
o Study advice service
o
Contact
Karel Joos
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80
3000 Leuven
016/32 43 11
www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice
> Contact form
Questions?
The End