Aryan Tavakoli and Linn Rydenstam.
29 August 2024
Matteproppen gives new engineering students a flying start to their studies
The preparatory mathematics course "Matteproppen" has been around since 1972 and is now an important tradition at Luleå University of Technology. The course helps new students prepare for university-level mathematics and also gives them a chance to become part of the campus community.
At Luleå University of Technology, the preparatory mathematics course Matteproppen, which has been offered since 1979, has become an important tradition. The course prepares new students for university-level mathematics and also serves as an introduction to the campus community.
Matteproppen, a course primarily aimed at future engineers, has long been an invaluable resource for new students at Luleå University of Technology. The course gives participants the opportunity to refresh and deepen their knowledge from high school while easing the transition to university life. The teaching is led by older students who have recently taken the course themselves, creating a unique dynamic and understanding.
Working with passion
Aryan Tavakoli, who studies industrial economics and is one of this year's teaching students, describes his enthusiasm.
– It’s fun to make an impression on the new students and be a contributing factor to their positive start and experience at Luleå University of Technology. I really love math and have previous teaching experience. It’s very rewarding to work with my passion and meet new, nice people.
Linn Rydenstam, who studies architecture in the Master of Science in Engineering program and is teaching in Matteproppen for the third year in a row, appreciates how the course fosters community among students.
– It’s really fun to see them start talking and discussing with each other, and some already find people to study with, says Linn. She also sees teaching as an opportunity for personal development.
– It’s very fun to teach, but also important to practice explaining the knowledge you have to others.
Alexander Lundberg and Lukas Sjöström.
Understanding new students' situation
For many new students, Matteproppen is a welcome support. Lukas Sjöström, who is taking the course, appreciates the independent learning and that the teachers are available when needed.
– I can really recommend Matteproppen. It’s been a long time since I studied math, and I need to deepen my knowledge from high school, he says. Alexander Lundberg, another participant, believes that the teaching is more accessible when it is done by older students who have recently gone through Matteproppen themselves.
– I think it’s an advantage that they were in the same situation just a few years ago. It creates a more relaxed atmosphere, and in terms of knowledge, I don’t notice much difference compared to older teachers, says Alexander. Lukas Sjöström agrees and adds:
– They have a different perspective and perhaps more understanding of where we are now in our lives and studies.
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