The Master Thesis Lab helps students get back on track with their thesis
Writing a Master’s thesis is a challenging process for many students. What do you do when your students get stuck, are unsure about their approach, or need help with statistics? As a thesis supervisor, you have only limited time to spend with each student. FSW's Master Thesis Lab offers a solution.
‘Sometimes students come to the Master Thesis Lab (MTL) feeling quite down,’ says Frank de Vos, head of the MTL. ‘They’ve lost their enthusiasm and don’t know how to proceed. A consultation with us can give them more clarity and new motivation to carry on.’
Bright and peaceful room
In room 3A.06 in the Agora, a spacious and bright room, students can work on their thesis in peace. Supervision is available almost every day. These lecturers offer advice, act as a sounding board and help with minor (statistical) issues. The support is accessible and easy to use.
Consultation with a specialist
In addition, students with more complex questions can make an appointment for a consultation for statistical advice or guidance on qualitative research, explains De Vos. ‘Our team consists of over ten specialists in the field of both quantitative and qualitative analysis. They know better than anyone how to support a student with their thesis.’
Reducing workload
Thesis supervisors have only a limited amount of time to devote to each student they supervise. De Vos: ‘We can reduce their workload by helping students who have got stuck to get back on track and by offering them accessible support with a wide range of problems. It can also be helpful for students to be able to turn to someone other than their supervisor. Sometimes feelings of insecurity or embarrassment come into play, or students worry that asking for help will negatively affect their assessment.’
Graduate sooner
Another big advantage for the faculty as a whole, is that the MTL support also helps to shorten the time it takes a student to graduate. Students spend less time stuck at a single stage of their thesis and can work through it more efficiently. So there are all sorts of benefits, which is why De Vos would like to see more students making use of the MTL. ‘My appeal to lecturers and/or thesis supervisors is therefore: let your students about us! There are still many students who could benefit from our support.’
