Tips and tricks : studying @ KU Leuven. Non-EEA Students

1. Tips and tricks : studying @ KU Leuven.Non-EEA Students Orientation days 19/09/2013 Karel Joos Study Advice Service

2. Introductory video Video : Study Succes @ K.U.Leuven (www.kuleuven.be/studysupport)

3. Themes • 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

4. Relationship Student-Professor • Not too familiar • Asking questions to the professor? • In class : relevance for others • After class : ‘argumented’ question • Respecting the hierarchy • Professors appreciate : • Critically • Coöperating • Independant

5. Study Method • Is taking notes necessary? • Student course books? • What to learn and how? • Text book (marking, reading, analysing) • Exercises (familiar and new) • Notes • Memorizing literally? • To know – to do • Own examples, counter examples • Comparisons • Exercices • Applications • Critical point of view, …

6. Time Management • Hours of studying • When to begin? • Where to study? • Room • Library • Agora? • Study planning • How does the academic year look like?

7. Overview of the academic year

8. 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 • courses and assignments

9. (Academic) culture • Power distance • Individualism • Masculinity • Uncertainty avoidance • Long term orientation http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html

10. Different kinds of courses and assignments • lecture/tutorial • exercise session - integrated practical (compulsary, permanent evaluation) • group presentations • paper/essay • master thesis/dissertation (independant working, limited coaching)

11. 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 K.U.Leuven : • http://www.kuleuven.be/plagiarism/

12. Exam Expectations • Examination Forms • Oral (feedback of prof) • Written • Open questions (structure) • Multiple choice (guessing : -1/3 for wrong answer) • Paper (plagiarism) • Presentation (not only content) • Exercises • Deliberation Criteria • Master : zero tolerance • Ombudsperson

13. Grading

14. Practical information • Registration • Student number + Passwords for Toledo and ISP • Start classes : Tuesday Sept. 24th ‘13 • ISP = Individual Study Programme • Choosing electives • Numerus clausus? • Exam planning • Before 9/10 • Sessions in faculty/programme • Toledo : toledo.kuleuven.be

15. Further info sessions • Tips and tricks 1: Studying @ KU Leuven • Thursday 19th of September 2013 • Tips and tricks 2: Study approach @ KU Leuven • Monday 28th of October 2013, 8pm • Tips and tricks 3: Time management @ KU Leuven • Monday 28th of October 2013, 9pm • Tips and tricks 4: Master thesis @ KU Leuven • Monday 18th of November 2013, 8pm • Tips and tricks 5: Presentation techniques @ KU L • Monday 18th of November2013, 9pm • Tips and tricks 6: Exams @ KU Leuven • Monday 2th of December 2013, 8pm

16. Digital info • www.kuleuven.be/studysupport • Support, services at K.U.Leuven • www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice • Study advice service

17. Contact Karel Joos StudyAdvice Service Naamsestraat 80 3000 Leuven 016/32 43 11 www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice > Contact form

18. Questions?

19. The End