Academic Work at IU: The Colloquium

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the colloquium preparation?

Designing visually appealing slides and presentations

Improving technical jargon and terminology

Developing a thorough understanding of the bachelor thesis (correct)

Mastering presentation skills

Why is it important to review the bachelor thesis shortly before the colloquium?

To refresh forgotten background knowledge (correct)

To translate it into another language

To redo the thesis in a shorter format

To submit it to the supervisor for feedback

What can help in preparing for discussion questions in the colloquium?

Reading the thesis multiple times

Practicing presentation skills in front of a mirror

Formulating answers to likely questions (correct)

Conducting additional research on the topic

What should be readily available during the colloquium?

A printed copy of the thesis Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to review topic-specific terms and keywords before the colloquium?

To respond adequately to discussion questions Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to avoid possible misunderstandings regarding the colloquium?

Consulting with the supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to ensure a clear presentation during the colloquium?

Practicing the presentation multiple times Signup and view all the answers

Where can further information regarding the colloquium be found?

The Thesis Handbook Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the colloquium?

To evaluate the student's ability to present and defend their research findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the colloquium in the context of a bachelor program?

It is the final step in the academic process, concluding the intensive study period. Signup and view all the answers

How does the colloquium differ from traditional oral exams?

The colloquium is more comprehensive, encompassing the student's entire academic experience. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Simon and Maike practice their colloquium presentations with each other?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of a red card during the colloquium signify?

A warning that the presentation is nearing its end. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the examiners during the colloquium?

To assess the student's understanding of the subject matter and their ability to defend their research findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important aspect of the colloquium for the students?

Showing their ability to engage in critical discussion and respond to challenging questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key expectation of the examiners in relation to the students' research?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the colloquium?

To prove that the bachelor thesis has been completed in full Signup and view all the answers

Which format is recommended for the presentation during the colloquium?

Microsoft Office PowerPoint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for evaluating the colloquium?

Ability to present in a foreign language Signup and view all the answers

What should the structure of the presentation typically include?

Introduction, Body, Conclusion Signup and view all the answers

How long is the presentation portion of the colloquium expected to last?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first component of the colloquium?

Presentation of the written work Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to consult the supervisor before the colloquium?

To discuss subject-specific particulars for the presentation Signup and view all the answers

During the question-and-answer session, students are primarily expected to...

Defend their bachelor thesis and presentation Signup and view all the answers

After the colloquium, what happens after the student leaves the room?

Examiners discuss and agree on the evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is assessed during the colloquium?

Rhetorical competences and methodological abilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Colloquium at IU

The colloquium is a performance review that occurs at the end of the bachelor program, marking the end of several years of intensive study on various subjects.
It has two major components: presentation of the written work and discussion of the contents with the examiners.

Objectives and Procedure

The colloquium takes place after the submission and positive assessment of the bachelor thesis, serving as proof that the written thesis has been completed in full.
The invitation to the colloquium is issued by the examiner of the bachelor thesis and is a sure sign that the bachelor thesis has been passed.
The colloquium will be held either at a study site of IU or online, independent of location.
After the approximately 30-minute colloquium, the student is asked to leave the (virtual) room briefly, and the examiners discuss and agree upon their evaluation.

Presentation

The presentation should show the whole research process, starting with the research question and finishing with the conclusion.
The presentation should last around 15 minutes and should follow the typical three-part structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
The content should be both intellectually demanding and plausible and understandable.
It is important to emphasize the innovative points of the written explanation and to only briefly refer to the starting point of the work.

Discussion

The subsequent question-and-answer session aims to defend both the bachelor thesis and the presentation.
The primary purpose of a defense is to provide adequate linguistic and content-related justification for what has been said or written and for the conclusion reached.

Evaluation Criteria

Both components of the colloquium will be assessed on an interdisciplinary basis using the following four criteria:
- Understanding and applying scientific analytical methods
- Structure and content of the presentation
- Ability to defend the bachelor thesis academically
- Content and logical consistency of answers to exam questions

Notes for Preparation

Determine and implement your own preferences for supporting visuals.
Keep in mind your own individual work and refresh any forgotten background knowledge.
Prepare discussions by thinking about likely questions and formulating answers.
Have "standard work" (the written bachelor thesis) at the ready and within reach during the colloquium.
Use technical jargon and review topic-specific terms, keywords, and name experts in the field.
Consult with your supervisor to avoid possible misunderstandings and practice the presentation as often as possible.