Introduction to Studying 2400-L1PPWDS

Objectives of the Orientation Programme for First-Year Bachelor’s
1. To foster the attitude of a conscious and responsible member of the academic community, who is familiar with its values, principles, and rules of functioning.
2. To develop the ability to plan and organise one’s own activities in such a way as to effectively fulfil academic responsibilities while balancing them with personal life.
3. To master effective learning techniques that support independent knowledge acquisition and the development of academic competences.
Structure of the Programme
The programme consists of three seminar-and-workshop modules, each corresponding to one of the above objectives:
1. Values of Academic Life
• Why study? Pragmatic and beyond
• Academic values: Platonic, research and teaching, social
• Value conflicts within the university
• Mission and development strategy of the University of Warsaw
• Student life – from traditions through maturity to diversity of experiences
• The role of the academic teacher
• Bureaucratisation of the university and of studies
• Written and oral communication at the university
• Attitudes that hinder studying
• Attitudes that support studying
2. Time Management in Academic Life
• Time management techniques using a linear approach to time (“path metric”), related to the so-called “through time” perspective (timeline: through time)
• Techniques of planning work time: Pomodoro and the “golden hour”
• Developing the habit of starting one’s work (pre-performance routine)
3. How to Learn Effectively
• How do economists know how to teach?
• Effective learning
• How experts think, and whether they are still needed in the age of AI
• What if what you know about learning is based on false assumptions? Facts and myths about education and learning
• How to learn critical thinking and what it really is
• What techniques to use in order to learn effectively
• Motivation in education

Required materials
• Presentations prepared by the lecturers
Additional readings
• Kamiński, M. (2020). Power4change. The Art of Achieving Goals. Sensus.
• Meurisse, T. (2024). The Power of Focus. How to Concentrate on What Really Matters. Sensus.
• Rosenshine, B. (2019). Principles of Instruction. Evidence Institute Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.evidin.pl/wp-content/uploads/publications/2019-zasady-nauczania-Barak-Rosenshine.pdf
• Sumeracki, M., Nebel, C., Kuepper-Tetzel, C., & Kaminske, A. N. (2023). Ace That Test: A Student’s Guide to Learning Better.