Comparison of study methods

In the following table, all three study methods have been presented in a nutshell - read it through and find the methods that best matches your expectations and resources (remember that PBL requires fluent Finnish).

Alternative study methods	Problem based learning	Weekly exercises	Literature exam
To whom fits best	Students who wish to study with others and can attend classes regularly in September and October. Students who wish to wishes to develop their group work and problem solving skills.	Students who enjoy independent studying. Students who like to study with others but cannot attend classes several hours per week.	Students who prefer independent studying. Students who wish to conduct their studies free from time and place. Students who want to take this course later during the fall on during the spring.
Studies begin	As the course begins in September. Late starts not possible this year.	The personnel can give their best support to thise who begin as the course starts in September, but it is possible to begin later on if separately agreed upon.
Schedule	Tutor sessions according to the group scehdule during fall 1999. Final exam at latest in fall 2000.	Recommended to take the exercises in Sept/Oct, final exam in November. Also possible at other times. Exercises must be completed before taking the final exam.	Literature exam in October, assignment in Oct/Nov, final exam after the preceeding phases.
Studying	Introduction to course and PBL. Working the cases in the tutor groups; each case involves two sessions that last appr. 2 hours each and a few hours of self studying and/or lectures. Active participation required.	Introduction to course. Weekly exercises and voluntary weekly feedback and guidance sessions. Exercises are done alone or in groups on maximum 3 people. Directions and general feedback will be available on these pages. The information necessary to do the exercises needs to be gathered and documented by the students. Each round will require appr. 8-9 hours of work. Answering to all parts of the exercises is required. Submissions must be made by the deadline.	Introduction to course. Studying literature of the human factors field. Voluntary lecture participation to support learning. Human factors skills will be tested in an literature exam, arragned at least in October, November, and December.
Assignment	A small assignment will be done in the tutor groups as the last case. It is a minor research task, independently conducted by the group members with the support of the tutor. Requires appr. 20 hours of work per student.	The assignment is practically the last exercise, which can be done either alone or in groups of max. 8 people. Working with the assignment will be launched in an opening session in October. The assignment will be done individually or in groups of max. 8 people. It is a minor research task, independently conducted by the group members. Requires appr. 20 hours of work per student.
Final exam	The final exam is same for all students. It will be arranged at least in November, December, and January. It is recommenede that you take the exam as shortly after the other phases as possible.
How to register	With WWWTopi to a tutor group with proper meeting times.	With WWWTopi to "Harjoitus"- group, if you begin the exercises at the course starts. Otherwise, by e-mail to the personnel.	With WWWTopi to "Kirjatentti"- group, if you begin the exercises at the course starts. Otherwise, by e-mail to the personnel.
Alternative study methods	Problem based learning	Weekly exercises	Literature exam