Hey there! High KTH rankings tell you about achievements that are a small fraction of the whole education. So what is education at KTH all about? What is the teaching based on, and how will you learn at the top university in Sweden? I will tell you more about education from an architecture student perspective!
Feedback
It’s great to hear that at the end of each course, students at KTH receive anonymous questionnaires to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. Giving feedback is as much useful as receiving it since it makes you think critically about your own project. Also, talking with tutors about what worked and what didn’t. That is exactly what we did after completing a course. My tutors asked us, what was useful, what did we learn, what worked and what hasn’t. Evaluating your course is super important to tutors who want the best for you!
Last week a workshop was held in the School of Architecture where everyone could express their views about education and how things are run. It’s an opportunity to say what could be improved and has actually worked really well in regard to teaching, scheduling, sharing common spaces and etc.!
Learning methods
Regarding learning at KTH, there are various methods to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. Our teachers deliver lectures to provide theoretical foundations and introduce new concepts and ideas. Group work is common, and usually, we are assigned who we work with. I think that is super fair to include all! A large part of education is based on learning from one another. I have learned so much from my studio friends! We help each other by discussing ideas, ways of presentation and supporting!
KTH provides education in engineering that goes beyond mere textbook knowledge and focuses on developing practical skills necessary for working in a company or starting one’s own business. Many courses at KTH do not solely rely on traditional exams; instead, the emphasis is placed on practical application and project-based learning. This approach ensures that students gain hands-on experience and develop the ability to tackle real-life engineering challenges.
Casual presentations
In my studio, tutors initiated a seminar within a course where we, the degree project students, present our projects in progress to our peers. The presentation, more likely, a conversation, is for us to receive feedback from our peers. This type of presentation makes the environment more relaxed and blends the hierarchy between the tutor and the student. Your voice is important too!
Grades
Most of the KTH courses do have a grading system. However, in the course of architecture, we don’t have grades, and that gives a freeing feeling. We only get a pass or fail, but of course, that comes with a lot of feedback on our work from other tutors and the things that can be improved are said orally. This grading system works well with arts, design, architecture and sustainability strategies. We do have to tick boxes of what needs to be included, but that depends on each individual project. There is much room for creativity, individuality and experimentation!
Individuality
Individuality is very much celebrated at KTH. I think KTH recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion in encouraging individuality and rationality. The university actively promotes an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives! So you can be you, and the university will welcome you!
Still wondering why KTH? Check my previous post! Lorenzo has shared some perks of the education at KTH that you can look at!
Have a nice week, you all!
//Martyna