1. Tips and Tricks : Studying @ KU Leuven. Orientation Days 05/02/2014 Karel Joos Study Advice Service

2. Introductory video Video : Study Succes @ K.U.LeuvenStudy 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 the professor questions? o In class : relevance for others o After class : ‘argumented’ question Respecting the hierarchy Professors appreciate : o Critically o Coöperating o Independent

5. Study Method Is taking notes necessary? o 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 Own examples, counter examples Comparisons Exercises Applications Critical point of view, …

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

7. Overview of the academic year

8. Cultural Differences in the Study Approach Selection before or after studying? o Passing the admission in the beginning ≠ passing the exams at the end? Exam expectations Independant thinking and studying o courses and assignments

9. (Academic) culture Power distance Individualism Masculinity Uncertainty avoidance Pragmatism Indulgence http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html

10. Different kinds of courses and assignments o Lecture/Tutorial o Exercise Session - Integrated Practical (compulsory, permanent evaluation) o Group Presentations o Paper/Essay o Master Thesis/Dissertation (independent working, limited coaching)

11. Writing papers/master thesis Goal : personal, independant synthesis of literature 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/ http://www.kuleuven.be/plagiarism/

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

13. Grading (mere indication of what to expect in general) MarkTranscriptUSECTS% of succesfull Your answer 20OutstandingA+A10%Exceptional, additional analyses, additional information 19 18 17Very goodA 16B25% 15GoodA-Own examples, counter examples, comparisons, critics, application, exercises 14C30% 13Above averageB 12D25%Structuring answer 11SatisfactoryB-C+Memorizing literally, basic understanding 10CE10% 8-9InsufficientDSuperficial knowlegde- comprehension 0-7Very insufficientFLack of knowledge- comprehension

14. Grading for Exchange Conversion of marks o www.kuleuven.be/onderwijs/ects/situering/faculteiten 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 = ???

15. Practical information Registration o 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

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

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

18. Questions?

19. The End