Amid exercise sheets and whispered conversations, first-year students occupy tables and make the most of the support provided in mathematics study sessions. The ‘Mathematics Study Room’ initiative, launched at the beginning of the semester, promotes independent study and encourages collaborative work between Técnico students and monitors (students from more advanced years), aiming to support students in the core subjects: Differential and Integral Calculus I, II, III, and Linear Algebra.
The ‘study room’ is situated at Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, and is a result of reorganising the support offered in previous years. “We previously had study rooms divided by different courses and locations, which created confusion. We asked for support from the Governing Board and the Pedagogical Council at Técnico to centralise this initiative in a space that students already use and recognise”, explains Pedro dos Santos, a professor at Técnico and coordinator of the initiative.
The model follows a trend already present in other universities. “It is a common type of initiative in several institutions, especially in the United States and also in Europe. It has proven to be a good way to support students in their transition to higher education, helping them to structure their studies and develop their autonomy”, he adds.
There are multiple ‘Mathematics Study Rooms’ across various Técnico campi, operating regularly throughout the week with two to three sessions per day, depending on the subject. Guidance is provided by Técnico monitors and assistant professors, who supervise independent study and assist students needing help to solve exercises. “Students can come here even if they haven’t yet started studying the week’s material. The monitors are aware of each class’s progress and help guide their studies and solve exercises”, adds Pedro dos Santos.
Diogo Mendes, a monitor and a first-year student in the Master’s Programme in Applied Mathematics and Computation, shares: “It’s a very important support because students have little time for practical classes and clarifying doubts. Here, there is space and time to learn among peers, in a more relaxed environment and with our support”. Diogo points out that interest has been growing, with afternoon sessions regularly attracting more than 50 students.
The optional assessment component—which allows students to improve their final grade by completing in-person exercise once a week—has been one of the additional motivations for participation. Júlia Drentje, a student in the Undergraduate Programme in Biological Engineering at Técnico, admits that this was one of the factors that brought her here. “I come here because of the weekly challenge. If we get four questions right during the eight weeks, we earn extra credit for the subject. It’s a great bonus because we practice, understand the material covered in class better, and still benefit from it”.
According to the student, “the support of older colleagues or even group work makes a difference. I am often here and meet friends from other years who help me understand the subject—it’s incredible”.
Rafael Domingues, a first-year student in the Undergraduate Programme in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Técnico, also recognises the impact of the study room on his initial journey: “I came here because I knew it would help me improve my performance in Calculus”. Next to him, his colleague Manuel Cordeiro highlights the role of the sessions in adapting to academic life: “The pace is very different, but these sessions help a lot. They help us overcome the first obstacles”. The group attends the space once or twice a week and intends to continue, as the assessment phase approaches.
The study space is a significant boost to the independent study of Técnico students. “The monitors’ guidance helps us to understand the material covered in class more clearly and to organise our study better”, concludes Luís Rodrigues, an undergraduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
With hundreds of weekly attendees and “preliminary results pointing to significant improvements in participants’ performance,” Pedro dos Santos anticipates the initiative’s evolution: “We want this space to be the first step toward a Técnico study academy that brings together different departments and offers structured support for various cross-disciplinary subjects”. This vision, he emphasises, is aligned with Técnico’s strategy of promoting collaborative learning environments and valuing independent study.
