Education Regulations describe how studies can be completed, and units responsible for courses (in Peppi: course implementations) have the authority to define the ways of completing courses in their curricula, including evaluation of study attainments. Students can complete studies individually or in groups through a variety of written and oral methods, such as lectures and book exams, essays, seminars, practical and laboratory work, online teaching, practical training and the combinations of these. The methods of completing studies are described in the course descriptions of each curriculum. Courses are completed at one go, unless otherwise stated in the curriculum.
If a student has a learning difficulty or disability, s/he has the right to apply for individual arrangements (see Accessibility in studies – aids and facilities) that apply to the ways a course can be completed, for instance.
In addition to traditional contact teaching in class, studies can be completed online or in multiform learning environments. Distance learning/ online studies are carried out in web-based learning environments, whereas multiform learning utilizes a number approaches: independent study and group work, face-to-face activities as well as e-learning where the latest technology is used to enhance learning. One of the latest approaches is “flipping” or “flipped classroom” – an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning – which aims at increasing student engagement and the quality of learning by having students complete readings independently at home, and work on live problem-solving, applying and analyzing in class.
The most typical methods of completing studies are presented below:
Lectures
Lecture is an oral presentation and traditionally a common form of contact teaching at the university. Lectures do not require regular attendance and, in most cases, the number of participants is not limited. However, different practices are used in university teaching and lecturing, and it is a good idea to check the course description in Peppi before the lectures begin. Lectures may be based on pre-distributed material or, in addition to lectures, there may be additional literature for independent study. Lectures are usually followed by an exam. In some cases, a lecture diary may be required.
Exercises
Exercises put in practice data and knowledge obtained during lectures or self-study. Regular presence is required during exercises. Studies can include a wide variety of exercises and/or practical work, the completion of which requires attendance as well as the approved completion of the given assignments.
Seminars
Participants present their seminar work (presentation, thesis, summary, etc.), participate in discussion and act as opponents. Regular attendance is required.
Small group teaching
Small group teaching (i.e. students study in smaller groups) may be part of a course. Dividing a bigger lot into groups usually takes place in advance. There may be exercises, seminars, other types of group work or a teacher-led lecture/ tutorial in a small group.
Book or lecture exam
At the university, tests are called exams. As a rule, there are two types of exams: lecture exams and general exams. A lecture exam is usually at the end of a series of lectures and, in addition to lectures, additional literature may be part of the exam. In general exams, predetermined literature is often taken. In some faculties, one may do exams from other courses in the same general exam. Registrations for general exams should be done 10 days before the exam date
at the latest, and the dates for general exams can be found in the curriculum of your faculty. It is a good idea to check the registration practices and other important details of exams in advance, as they differ from one faculty to another. If required, the student must prove his/her identity before taking the exam.
Exams can also be taken in Moodle and in Exam.
Exam answers are usually essay-type writings. The aim is to test the student’s knowledge and understanding of the topic in question.
Electronic exam system (Exam)
The university utilizes an electronic exam system. An electronic exam can be completed on campus in supervised facilities. The idea is that the student can take an exam according to his/her own schedule. The possibility to take an electronic exam is mentioned in the course description. For more information, please see Electronic exam: instructions for students.
Essay
Essay is a reflective, literature-based article that explores one of the questions given as the subject of an essay. A scientific essay is usually based on several source materials and contains the author’s own reflection as well as critical observations. The topic to be discussed is analyzed, evaluated and compared using different sources followed by a synthesis based on the data as well as student’s own reflection.
Learning diary
The aim of a learning diary is to form one’s own view of the course literature, lectures, seminars, etc. It involves reflecting and asking questions to what has previously been learned, discussed, read and experienced. A learning diary is not merely a paper or a summary of the topics and contents of lectures.
Summary
Summary is a structured paper of the main points of an oral or written presentation. A summary must include the main ideas of the original presentation in the student’s own words, and as structured as possible. The evaluation of a summary draws attention to the style of the text and the formal requirements of the summary, so that the main content, main points and perspectives of the original presentation are revealed. In addition, a summary shall indicate which parts of the text are compiled by the student her/himself, and which are expressed by the original text/teacher. Mechanical summarizing or copying an original presentation is not an academic summary.
Lecture diary
A lecture diary is a summary-like text on the main points of the followed lecture. It must reflect the main ideas expressed in the lecture in a structured and the student’s own way. In addition, a lecture diary must include the student’s own reflections on the topic discussed, as if talking to the lecturer, perhaps questioning the lecturer’s approach or highlighting points that are still unclear. Any material distributed in the lecture should not be copied word by word into the lecture diary. A lecture diary must clearly show which parts of the text are written by the student him/herself, and which were expressed by the original text/teacher.
Learning group
Learning group refers to a form of study in which a freely formed group of students completes a course as group work. The group meets on a regular basis and students take turns in presenting introductions from the course literature. A final written report is produced based on the introductions and discussions in group so that a study attainment may be recorded into the system. Students themselves are responsible for the compilation and meetings of the learning group. A successful learning group requires motivated students with the ability to cooperate and take responsibility.
Learning assignment
According to detailed instructions on the topic announced during the course, a learning assignment is either individual or group work.
Portfolio
The purpose of a portfolio is to present the accumulation of student’s expertise and competence. A portfolio is compiled following the instructions given during a course. UEF has made the Kyvyt.fi ePortfolio service available to its students. This service provides tools for creating and developing one’s own resumé online as well as maintaining a CV. The service also provides opportunities for networking and publishing a portfolio, e.g. for potential employers.
The Kyvyt.fi ePortfolio service can be accessed through the main page of UEF Moodle by going to “Web servers” and clicking on the link to the Kyvyt.fi service. This link will take you to a page where you can create a new username and password for the Kyvyt.fi service, and the username and password you have now created for Kyvyt.fi will be available also after your study right at UEF has expired.
Practical training
Studies may include compulsory or optional practical training. For example, teacher’s pedagogical studies include teaching practice. Other fields of study may also include compulsory practical training. In terms of employability, it may be beneficial for the student to complete an optional practical training (see the Student guidelines on the practices of supported practical training for more details). In some cases, it is also possible to pursue practical training abroad (please see International traineeships for more details).
Thesis
A thesis is required for all university degrees. Theses at UEF include Bachelor’s Thesis, Master’s Thesis, Licentiate Thesis and a Doctoral Dissertation. Take a closer look at theses.
Maturity test
A thesis is an academic paper including a maturity test. For further information, please see Thesis and maturity test.