Passing exams at the K'U'Leuven: Cultural Differences in Evaluation, Style and Expectations

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Passing exams at the K.U.Leuven Cultural
Differences in Evaluation, Style and Expectations

• 27/11/06
• Kristina Denissen
• Karel Joos
• Study Advisory Centre

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Introduction
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Introduction

• Cultural differences
• Exam expectations
• How to pass exams
• Focus of this session oral exams
• Similar expectations (whole K.U.Leuven)?
• No,
• but /- consensus
• Not the official version, but real opinions in
  the mind of professors

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Content of this session

• Different examination formats
• Examples
• Human sciences
• Exact sciences
• Conclusion
• Pitfalls
• Different levels of preparation
• Grading
• Contact

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Different examination formats
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Different examinations

• Oral
• Written
• Open questions
• Multiple choice
• Paper
• Presentation
• Exercises

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Different oral exams

• Questions on cards
• given by professor or you can draw
• Only what you say or
• only what you write
• Preparation on draft??

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Practical

• Written preparation
• 30 most human sciences
• 4 h exact sciences (exercises)
• Oral exam /- 15-20
• Dress code
• Timing

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Cultural differences?

• Selection at the beginning of programme
  selection during the programme
• Knowlegde insight application
• Grading
• First theory, application afterwards?
• No information about results after oral exam

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Examples
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Overview

• Human sciences prof. A. Cassiman (anthropology)
• Lecture Cultures and development
• Two simulations of exams
• Exact sciences
• Three professors in several disciplines

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Human sciences

• Lecture prof A. Cassiman
• Anthropology

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Cultures and development

• About development projects
• Facilitator local people
• Participation (instead of domination)
• People participating
• Facilitator is only coaching
• Example
• The voice of the local chief
• versus
• The voice the local people

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Exam question

• In what sense the role of the facilitator
• can be a pitfall of a participatory approach
• to development?

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Exam simulations
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Exam simulation 1
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Exam simulation 2
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Comparison Sim. 1 2
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Tips

• Structuring your answer
• Non-verbal communication (showing motivation)
• Repeating the question in own words (if
  necessary)
• game (role playing), meeting (convincing)

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Exact sciences

• Testimonials of three professors

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Prof. M. De Proft

• Bio-engineering

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De Proft

• Multiple choice (optional) basic knowlegde
• Oral exam solving practical problems
• Written preparation
• Goal
• application of theorie (figures, )
• argumentation (not just wrong or right)

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Prof. K. Eneman

• Electrical engineering

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Eneman

• Literal knowlegde is minimum
• Definitions concepts
• Understanding
• Concrete application
• Clear presentation of course material

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Prof. D. Van Oudheusden

• Industrial Management

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Van Oudheusden

• Small questions, closed book basic concepts
  (knowledge)
• Three complex problems, open book and oral exam
  understanding concepts, clear presentation,
  application
• Examinator Professor or assistant
• Subquestions with increasing degree of difficulty
  (A, B, C)
• Only A 6/20!

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Conclusions
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Pitfalls

• Thank you, this is sufficient
• Professor stops the student
• Additional question
• Other students preparing in the back
• Interpreting facial expression

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Different levels of preparation

• Reading
• Basic understanding (8-12/20)
• Complex understanding (10-13/20)
• Applied understanding (14-18/20)
• Own examples
• Critical point of view
• Linking chapters

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Grading
Source Wendy Danko
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Contact

• Study Advisory Centre
• Naamsestraat 80
• 3000 Leuven
• 016/32 43 11
• www.kuleuven.be/studyadvice
• Kristina.Denissen_at_dsv.kuleuven.be
• Karel.Joos_at_dsv.kuleuven.be

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Succes!!