Overview
Our aim in the project ‘MA Thesis Journey’ is to improve the educational framework and student experience of Master’s thesis work. This departmental project is part of a larger, coordinated effort within the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, including a revised ‘MA Thesis Guide’. At the same time, organizational changes within university Learning Services entail how to integrate pedagogical experts and program coordinators.
The project builds on previous pilots, best practices and tools benchmarked from departmental ‘joint studies’, from within the department’s five Master’s programs and from other departments across the university. Having identified existing and potential online elements (e.g. information and teaching materials for students, synchronized and networked tools for staff), we initiated an Aalto Online Learning project within the larger project.
Platforms and tools
- MyCourses
- Turnitin
Pedagogical methods
‘MA Thesis Portal’ is underway. The Portal is a go-to page utilizing Aalto’s MyCourses platform. This will help students self-assess their progress and find relevant information and resources, including Panopto video materials and Turnitin, according to their stage in the thesis process. The Portal is structured and designed for a student-centered MA Thesis process.
It will provide clearer intended learning outcomes from the department level that are aligned to study programs and fundamentals of doing the Master’s thesis. Students can learn about both academic skills (including academic writing, presentation, referencing, etc.) and work skills (including remote work, time management, information retrieval, etc.) based on the appropriate stage of the thesis process.
Involved courses
Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)
Links & Materials
People
Ramia Mazé
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Pilot leader
Mirja Niemelä
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Project Manager (Phase 1)
Namkyu Chun
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Project Manager (Phase 2)
Meri Arnala
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Work-Package Lead
Mari Partanen
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Work-Package Lead
Heidi Paavilainen
School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
Work-Package Lead
