Tips and tricks:
studying @ KU Leuven.
Degree Seeking Students
Orientation days
18/09/2014
Joke Vanhoudt
Study Advice Service
1. Study Advice Service
A centre of expertise on student learning and study choice. Fosters the
development of know-how, prepares policy and provides advice and
training for:
Prospective students
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Programme information
KU Leuven students
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Programme selection
Learning skills
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Study methods
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Planning your work
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Programme information
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Opportunities for advanced students
Advice on changing programme
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Study abroad
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Career guidance
Introductory video
Video : Study Succes @ KU Leuven
(www.kuleuven.be/studysupport)
2.Themes
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Relationship Student-Professor
Study Method – Study skills
Time Management
Cultural Differences in the Study Approach
Different kinds of courses and assignments
Writing Papers / Master Thesis
Exam Expectations
Practical Information
o
The story of Peter, master student in chemistry
A. Relationship Student-Professor
• Not too familiar
• Asking questions to the professor?
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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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Independant
B. Study Method / study skills
• Is taking notes necessary?
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Student course books
• What to learn and how?
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Text book (marking, reading, analysing)
Exercises (familiar and new)
Notes
B. Study Method / study skills
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Critical thinking
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When reading
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Analytical thinking
Memorizing literally? Check your memory style!
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To know – to do
• Own examples, counter examples
• Comparisons
• Exercices
• Applications
• Critical point of view, …
• The study skills handbook (Author: Stella Cottrell, Editor:
Palgrave MacMillan)
• www.skills4study.com
C. Time Management
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What is different with previous study experiences ?
Hours of studying
When to begin?
Where to study?
o Room
o Library
o Agora?
• Study plan
• How does the academic year look like?
Overview of the academic year
D. 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
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(Academic) culture
• Power distance
• Individualism
• Masculinity
• Uncertainty
avoidance
• Pragmatism
• Indulgence
http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html
E. Different kinds of courses and assignments
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lecture/tutorial
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exercise session - integrated practical (compulsary,
permanent evaluation)
group presentations
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paper/essay
master thesis/dissertation (independant working,
limited coaching)
F. Writing papers/master thesis
• Goal : personal, independant synthesis of literature,
research in lab, …
• What is plagiarism?
o 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/
G. 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
• Ombudsperson
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Grading
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
H. Practical information
• Registration
Student number + Passwords for Toledo and ISP
• Start classes : Tuesday Sept. 23th ‘14
• ISP = Individual Study Programme
o Choosing electives
o Numerus clausus?
o Exam planning
o Before the 8th of October
o Sessions in faculty/programme
• Toledo : toledo.kuleuven.be
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Further info sessions
• Tips and tricks 1: Studying @ KU Leuven
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• Thursday 18th of September 2014
Tips and tricks 2: Study approach @ KU Leuven
• Monday 27th of October 2014, 8pm
Tips and tricks 3: Time management @ KU Leuven
• Monday 27th of October 2014, 9pm
Tips and tricks 4: Master thesis @ KU Leuven
• Monday 17th of November 2014, 8pm
Tips and tricks 5: Presentation techniques @ KU L
• Monday 17th of November2014, 9pm
Tips and tricks 6: Exams @ KU Leuven
• Monday 1st of December 2014, 8pm
Digital info
• www.kuleuven.be/studysupport
Support, services at K.U.Leuven
• www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice
o Study advice service
o
Contact
Joke Vanhoudt
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80
3000 Leuven
016/32 43 11
www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice
> Contact form
Questions?
The End