Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education
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PSP - Personal Study Plan
What is a PSP?
In the beginning of the studies each student produces a personal study plan (PSP) that will be reviewed during the course of studies. PSP is a written plan which includes information on student's study and career goals, structure of studies and implementation and realisation of different elements of the study programme. Each student will have individual discussions on his/her personal study plan with the study counsellor.
Why should I make a PSP?
You are able to set your own goals for studying and you are able to write a concrete study plan to attain your degree. You will be able to schedule your studies realistically and monitor your study progress.
What should a PSP contain?
Please make sure that at least the following items are included in your PSP:
• Personal Data (name, contact information, major subject, year when you began your studies)
• Your study goals and objectives (please also consider your plans for your Master's thesis)
• Study constraints (i.e. realistically consider how family, job etc. will affect your studies)
• Courses you intend to complete and schedule
• Other study factors, such as data collection for Master's thesis, study abroad or in another university, internship etc.
Additionally, you may elaborate on the following items in your personal study plan:
• Background and initial situation at beginning of studies: Work experience; hobbies; personal strengths and areas to be developed; your reasons for coming to study at this institution…
• Study and Career Goals: What kinds of professional duties would you like to perform upon graduation? What kind of knowhow do you need to achieve your goals? What do you find particularly interesting in your studies at present?
• Implementation and Realisation: What are the factors limiting or complicating your studies? Are you studying fulltime? How much time are you willing to spend studying per week (or per year)? Does the time you allot for studying vary yearly? Consider also your family life, work, hobbies...
• Structure of Studies: Major subject, minor subjects, study abroad (what, where, when), internship (time, contents and place), estimated time of graduation
Please remember, that the purpose of the PSP is to serve you and guide you through your studies and help you attain your objectives. Therefore, it should be taken seriously! Please also remember, that the PSP does not bind you. You can revise/update it, when necessary.
Returning the plan and receiving approval:
The PSP is done independently at the beginning of your studies but naturally you are encouraged to consult your study counsellor, teachers, fellow students etc while making your PSP!
Once finished, you should send the plan to the study counsellor by e-mail in advance, and make an appointment for individual discussion to have the plan approved.
Literature:
Ansela, M. & Haapaniemi, T. & Pirttimäki, S. 2006. Personal Study Plans for University Students. A guide for Study Counsellors. Learning Centre. University of Kuopio. Electronic version: http://www.uku.fi/opk/w5w/guide.pdf