On Wednesday 11 November 2015, the Student Research Conference (SRC) was organized by the Association of Universities (VSNU), at Tilburg University. This annual conference offers students the opportunity to promote their bachelor research while expanding the enthusiasm for academic research. This year, 159 students send in their papers, and 69 students were selected by a Review Commission (existing of university teachers and professors) to present their research in the form of a workshop or poster presentation. Per category the students were able to win prizes of €1500, €1000 and €500 for the best workshop presentations, and the best poster was be rewarded with a special poster prize.
Maastricht University sent in 13 papers, from which 3 students were selected to present their work during the SRC 2015. The selected students were: Jeremias Knoblauch, Guna Schwanen, and Shalina Görg, who all developed their research during the MaRBLe program at Maastricht University. One of the students, Guna Schwanen (28), was selected to give a workshop presentation in the category ‘Law, Economy and Society’. After completing her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, she started the master Mental Health next to an internship at MUMC+ at the medical psychology department.
Guna’s research looks into the relationship between self-compassion and social anxiety. She conducted a cross-sectional study by using questionnaires measuring self-compassion, social anxiety, fear of negative evaluation and self-focused attention among a total of 120 individuals (91 women, 29 men) between the ages of 18 and 35. Her research largely replicated an existing study, with an additional focus on the construct within social anxiety, which is self-focused attention. Self-compassion is a more adaptive way of treating oneself and it turns out that self-compassion is strongly related to psychological health. In the end, the study showed a strong relationship between social anxiety and self-compassion, which was in line with the central hypothesis.
Why did you choose to apply for the Marble program?
At the time of application for the MaRBLe+ program, I just started preparing for my bachelor thesis. The MaRBLe+ program seemed to be an opportunity to further develop competencies concerning research, and it was. Furthermore, I was very motivated to take part in the MaRBLe+ program because within the program there was an emphasis on presentation skills which is something I think is also an important competence as a researcher.
What were your experiences with the program?
In my opinion the MaRBLe+ program was a meaningful addition to the bachelor program. The MaRBLe+ program stimulated me to think more in detail about my thesis. In particular, the presentations within the group contributed to better writing skills with regard to a more coherent story and structure. It also helped me to explain my subject in a more simplified way, so people without knowledge about the particular subject were able to comprehend the story.
How do you prepare for the Student Research Conference?
When presenting, I always try to sort of identify with the audience. What would I want to know if the subject was unknown to me? I think it is important that your story connects with the audience. Furthermore, I think it is important not to overload people with tons of information. Also the presentation should be attractive to watch. This is something I keep in mind when preparing for the SRC.
Do you have any advice for students who would like to apply for the marble program?
If possible students should definitely apply for the MaRBLe+ program, in particular if they want to improve their research skills, want to get to know more about themselves and improve their presentation skills. In my opinion, I found it also doable next to my thesis. Anyway, my advice is to simply write a letter wherein you explain and motivate why the MaRBLe+ program could be a valuable addition for you, next to the regular bachelor program.
Wondering how Guna experienced the Student Research Conference and whether she has won one of the prizes? Check the website next week for a new article!
Stage 3: Align means and ends
At the Maastricht Sustainability Institute, teaching and learning in the master takes place in a ‘flipped classroom’ format. Small groups of 5 to 6 students first work independently on learning objectives, and subsequently report back in a plenary meeting with around 20 students. This puts a strong emphasis on the self-directed and collaborative aspects of learning. To prepare for this, at the beginning of the programme, students do an exercise in group work. They also draw up a Team Charter that describes how they will collaborate.
Stage 5: How are we doing?
This activity aims to get students to reflect on their experiences with PBL, especially those that have been less positive, thinking first about what caused the disappointment, then possible solutions. The activity involves a 10-15-minute individual reflection activity, followed by some 30 minutes of small group discussion of causes and solutions to problems. The tutor’s role (not described in the exercise) is to monitor the discussion and ensure suggestions are collected in a useable form.
Stage 4: Keeping up the spirit
At the MSc Learning and Development in Organisations, learning is based on the principles of constructive, contextual, collaborative and self-directed learning. The constructive and collaborative aspects of learning in particular, are seen as very similar to learning and working in a professional context. In the coaching that is an integral part of this programme, reflection on what is learned and how it is learned become two sides of the same coin. Goal setting and self-evaluation by students concerns the development of competencies and the way in which these are acquired through learning.
Stage 2: Mind the gap to previous experiences
We used a flipped format to deliver PBL information during Introduction days. We set up a canvas course dedicated to Introduction days were students could find all sort of information, including websites, contact information and student manuals related to their selected study programme. Within this canvas site, we added an Introduction days schedule with embedded welcome videos and/or documents. In the week prior to Introduction Days, participants received an email (via Canvas announcements) asking them to go over the event’s schedule on Canvas and watch a ~40 min video with a detailed explanation on how PBL works. During Introduction days the panel was organized as follows:
— Panel chair briefly summarized the main concepts related to PBL
— The tutors/coordinators and current students panelists introduced themselves and shared (informally) their thoughts and experience with PBL
— The chair opened the room for questions from new students
Unlike previous years that used a simple PBL presentation (passive listening), the flipped approach allowed us to provide the factual information before hand and opt for a more active PBM meeting for optimal engagement of participants during the event. Participants asked many questions, often building up from answers provided by the panel. Having a diverse panel answering questions was an added bonus, as the participants quickly realized that different coordinators/tutors might approach PBL differently, depending on the content and focus of the course. The current student perspective was very valuable as they provided examples of how they prepare for PBL and act as chairs or scribes. In Period 2 we asked the new students to provide feedback about Introduction Days and they commented quite favorably about the active PBL panel.
Stage 1: Mapping Teaching & Learning Styles
This activity is designed to get students to compare their expectations of teacher and student roles, with the hope of revealing underlying cultural perceptions so that all are aware of them and they can be addressed. When grouping the students, try to select diverse nationality groups. Time stage A so that students discuss their (national) cultural expectations before learning in detail about PBL. Carry out stage B after they have received some input about what PBL is.