Passing Examinations

Whether you need to give a presentation, write a term paper or take a written exam, no matter if online or on campus: We have compiled information for every type of examination to support you in preparing for your exams. You are also welcome to attend one of our courses.

Our tip: The e-learning course on studying from home helps you to develop strategies for efficient and effective learning activities for virtual courses. Click here to get to the course


Case study

What is a case study?

In a case study, you analyze a problem or a challenge and the resulting solution. The type and the structure of a case study may differ from school to school and from course to course. In our ILIAS module, you will find an overview on the different variations but also tips and useful information for creating case studies.

Click here for the ILIAS module on case studies

Additional information and courses

  • Academic writing and research

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Easy writing

    After the examinations are over, the term papers are due. We show you seven tips that will help you writing your paper. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn more about academic writing!
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to cite sources

    How do I cite sources correctly and avoid plagiarism? Do you know about the differences between a correct citation and plagiarism? Citing your sources correctly is an important skill to avoid plagiarism in your term papers or final thesis.
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Bibliography management

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – An overview on bibliography management
    Bibliography management is one of the basics of academic writing and research. Nowadays, software tools for bibliography management are common. We provide you with a short overview, and show you how bibliography management software can help you in writing your academic paper. We compare Zotero and Citavi.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Citavi      
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Citavi. In practical exercises, you can work with Citavi and see if it suits your needs.   
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Zotero
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Zotero. You can work with Zotero in practical exercises and see if it suits your needs.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Handout on ChatGPT and AI Tools

    Since the hype about ChatGPT at the latest, everyone talks about AI tools. But what can ChatGPT do and what should students observe when using such tools? Is it even allowed to use such tools? The Teaching and Learning Center has published a handout in which you can find the answers to these and similar questions.

    Directly to the handout

    (Currently, in German only – please feel free to translate the document via Artifical Intelligence tools)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Essay

Writing an essay

A good essay convinces readers of the opinion that you have on a specific topic. In order to convince your readers, your essay should be well prepared and structured and the argumentation should be clear. In our ILIAS module, you will get more information on how to achieve this. In addition, you will learn more about the form of an essay and will find useful tips on writing essays in exams.

Click here to get to the ILIAS module on essays

Additional information and courses

  • Academic writing and research

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Easy writing

    After the examinations are over, the term papers are due. We show you seven tips that will help you writing your paper. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn more about academic writing!
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to cite sources

    How do I cite sources correctly and avoid plagiarism? Do you know about the differences between a correct citation and plagiarism? Citing your sources correctly is an important skill to avoid plagiarism in your term papers or final thesis.
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Bibliography management

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – An overview on bibliography management
    Bibliography management is one of the basics of academic writing and research. Nowadays, software tools for bibliography management are common. We provide you with a short overview, and show you how bibliography management software can help you in writing your academic paper. We compare Zotero and Citavi.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Citavi      
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Citavi. In practical exercises, you can work with Citavi and see if it suits your needs.   
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Zotero
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Zotero. You can work with Zotero in practical exercises and see if it suits your needs.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Handout on ChatGPT and AI Tools

    Since the hype about ChatGPT at the latest, everyone talks about AI tools. But what can ChatGPT do and what should students observe when using such tools? Is it even allowed to use such tools? The Teaching and Learning Center has published a handout in which you can find the answers to these and similar questions.

    Directly to the handout

    (Currently, in German only – please feel free to translate the document via Artifical Intelligence tools)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Term paper

Concerning the term paper

Academic writing and research: Term paper

With a term paper, you demonstrate your ability to work independently on a research question. This requires a repertoire of work techniques and competencies. To support you in writing your thesis, the University Library, for examples, offers information services and various courses on topics such as using the library, searching for literature and data and using software for bibliography management. In introductory seminars, you will learn more about the subject-specific details of writing term papers in your program.  

Click here for the course (only in German)

Basics of academic research
In this course, you will learn the basics of successful academic research.

Click here for the course (only in German)

ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Crash course on the University Library
What do I need to know about using the University Library? Where and how can I search for academic literature? Improve your skills on literature research and learn more about the offers and services of the University Library.

Click here for the course (only in German)

Additional information and courses

  • Successful research

    Academic research

    Basics
    In this course, you will learn the basics of successful academic research.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Introduction to subject-specific research
    In these courses, you will learn more about systematic and extensive research in the subject-specific databases.
    Course for Political Science | Course for Law | Course for Romance Studies | Course for Sociology | Course for Economic and Business Education | Course for Business Administration and Economics (all courses only in German)


    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Crash course on the University Library

    What do I need to know about using the University Library? Where and how can I search for academic literature? Improve your skills on literature research and learn more about the offers and services of the University Library.
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Finding and ordering literature

    Overview on Primo and interlibrary loan
    How can I search the Primo catalog of the University Library? How can I order literature that is not available at the library?
    In this course, we use practical examples to give you tips and tricks for research in Primo. We also show you how you can order literature from other libraries via interlibrary loan and the document delivery service Subito.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – E-resources
    How can I search for e-books or an electronic journal? Can I save or print e-books? Can I access literature of the University Library’s while spending a semester abroad? We answer any questions you may have regarding the electronic items at the University Library.      
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Overview on interlibrary loans     
    We show you how you can order literature of other libraries via interlibrary loan and the document delivery service Subito.          
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Effective reading

    Reading techniques
    In this module, we talk about topics such as active reading, editing symbols, reading goals and reading strategies.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to read better
    Reading for fun and reading academic literature for knowledge acquisition or for writing your own academic paper are two different things. We show you how you can improve your reading competencies for academic literature.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

  • Academic writing and research

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Easy writing

    After the examinations are over, the term papers are due. We show you seven tips that will help you writing your paper. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn more about academic writing!
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to cite sources

    How do I cite sources correctly and avoid plagiarism? Do you know about the differences between a correct citation and plagiarism? Citing your sources correctly is an important skill to avoid plagiarism in your term papers or final thesis.
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Bibliography management

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – An overview on bibliography management
    Bibliography management is one of the basics of academic writing and research. Nowadays, software tools for bibliography management are common. We provide you with a short overview, and show you how bibliography management software can help you in writing your academic paper. We compare Zotero and Citavi.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Citavi      
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Citavi. In practical exercises, you can work with Citavi and see if it suits your needs.   
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Bibliography management with Zotero
    This course provides an overview on the most important features of the bibliography management tool Zotero. You can work with Zotero in practical exercises and see if it suits your needs.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Handout on ChatGPT and AI Tools

    Since the hype about ChatGPT at the latest, everyone talks about AI tools. But what can ChatGPT do and what should students observe when using such tools? Is it even allowed to use such tools? The Teaching and Learning Center has published a handout in which you can find the answers to these and similar questions.

    Directly to the handout

    (Currently, in German only – please feel free to translate the document via Artifical Intelligence tools)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Oral examination

Rhetoric and presentation

In an oral examination, you discuss specific topics or important aspects of a course with the examiner. It is important to reproduce what you know and explain connections. It is therefore essential to be well prepared. In our ILIAS module, we have compiled information and tips on the various contents of oral examinations, e.g. on the contents of lectures, oral defense of a thesis or case studies.

Click here to get to the ILIAS module on oral examinations

Additional information and courses

  • Learn efficiently

    Self-regulated learning

    In this module, we talk about cognitive learning strategies, resource management and metacognition.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Motivation

    In this module, you will learn more about types of motivation and goals. In addition, you will get tips on how to stay motivated.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Concentration

    In this module, we will provide you with tips and information for coping with difficulties in concentrating and how you can increase your ability to focus.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Effective reading

    Reading techniques
    In this module, we talk about topics such as active reading, editing symbols, reading goals and reading strategies.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to read better
    Reading for fun and reading academic literature for knowledge acquisition or for writing your own academic paper are two different things. We show you how you can improve your reading competencies for academic literature.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Open-book exam

Open book exam

What is an open-book exam?
During an open-book exam, you may use specific materials, as defined and approved by your examiner. Such materials are, for example, your notes or books. Your teacher will assess your knowledge by requesting you to complete action-oriented or competence-oriented tasks where you need to transfer your knowledge. In our ILIAS module, you will find useful tips for preparing your exams and information on how to prepare for open-book exams. In addition, we have compiled more information on the technical requirements and current formats (take-home exams vs. live-online exams) of the virtual exams at the University of Mannheim.

Click here to get to the ILIAS module on open-book exams

ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Stay calm when preparing for your exams
The exam period is coming up and you are stressed out? Learn more about how you can improve your exam preparation and reduce stress.

Click here for the course (only in German)

Additional information and courses

  • Learn efficiently

    Self-regulated learning

    In this module, we talk about cognitive learning strategies, resource management and metacognition.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Motivation

    In this module, you will learn more about types of motivation and goals. In addition, you will get tips on how to stay motivated.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Concentration

    In this module, we will provide you with tips and information for coping with difficulties in concentrating and how you can increase your ability to focus.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Effective reading

    Reading techniques
    In this module, we talk about topics such as active reading, editing symbols, reading goals and reading strategies.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to read better
    Reading for fun and reading academic literature for knowledge acquisition or for writing your own academic paper are two different things. We show you how you can improve your reading competencies for academic literature.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


In-person exams

Concerning the in-person exam

Be well prepared for the exam period
During an in-person exam, you may be asked about facts but may also be required to transfer knowledge to new contexts. Generally, no resources are available. In our ILIAS module, you will learn how to ideally prepare for your in-person exam and which strategies you can use for your exam preparation.

Click here to get to the ILIAS module on in-person exams

Crash course on exam preparation
In this course on exam preparation, you will learn more about study-life balance, how to cope with distracting cognition and general exam design.

Click here for the course

ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Stay calm when preparing for your exams
The exam period is coming up and you are stressed out? Learn more about how you can improve your exam preparation and reduce stress.

Click here for the course (only in German)

Additional information and courses

  • Learn efficiently

    Self-regulated learning

    In this module, we talk about cognitive learning strategies, resource management and metacognition.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Motivation

    In this module, you will learn more about types of motivation and goals. In addition, you will get tips on how to stay motivated.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Concentration

    In this module, we will provide you with tips and information for coping with difficulties in concentrating and how you can increase your ability to focus.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


    Effective reading

    Reading techniques
    In this module, we talk about topics such as active reading, editing symbols, reading goals and reading strategies.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to read better
    Reading for fun and reading academic literature for knowledge acquisition or for writing your own academic paper are two different things. We show you how you can improve your reading competencies for academic literature.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Presentation

Successful presentations

For a presentation, you prepare a case or a problem in such a way that you can present it to your fellow students and your teacher in a structured way. In the Studium Generale courses, you will get useful tips and information on how to prepare for presentations and how you can demonstrate your Powerpoint skills when presenting.

Click here for the communication courses (Studium Generale)

Click here for the IT courses (Studium Generale)

Additional information and courses

  • Successful research

    Academic research

    Basics
    In this course, you will learn the basics of successful academic research.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    Introduction to subject-specific research
    In these courses, you will learn more about systematic and extensive research in the subject-specific databases.
    Course for Political Science | Course for Law | Course for Romance Studies | Course for Sociology | Course for Economic and Business Education | Course for Business Administration and Economics (all courses only in German)


    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Crash course on the University Library

    What do I need to know about using the University Library? Where and how can I search for academic literature? Improve your skills on literature research and learn more about the offers and services of the University Library.
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Finding and ordering literature

    Overview on Primo and interlibrary loan
    How can I search the Primo catalog of the University Library? How can I order literature that is not available at the library?
    In this course, we use practical examples to give you tips and tricks for research in Primo. We also show you how you can order literature from other libraries via interlibrary loan and the document delivery service Subito.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – E-resources
    How can I search for e-books or an electronic journal? Can I save or print e-books? Can I access literature of the University Library’s while spending a semester abroad? We answer any questions you may have regarding the electronic items at the University Library.      
    Click here for the course (only in German)

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – Overview on interlibrary loans     
    We show you how you can order literature of other libraries via interlibrary loan and the document delivery service Subito.          
    Click here for the course (only in German)


    Effective reading

    Reading techniques
    In this module, we talk about topics such as active reading, editing symbols, reading goals and reading strategies.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    ZWÖLFDREISSIG – How to read better
    Reading for fun and reading academic literature for knowledge acquisition or for writing your own academic paper are two different things. We show you how you can improve your reading competencies for academic literature.
    Click here for the course (only in German)

  • Self-management

    Time management

    In this module, you will learn more about time management, self-control, learning plans and various planning methods.
    Click here for the ILIAS course

    Working conditions

    In this module, you will learn more about disruptions to your work, how to create ideal working conditions and breaks, for example.
    Click here for the ILIAS course


Video or film project

Finding the right equipment

If you need to make a video or film project for your course or seminar, finding the right equipment is often crucial. On the following pages, you will find information on the university’s support services, such as borrowing media and media editing stations as well as information workshops and media courses.

Information on the media editing stations

Information on the media courses

Additional information and courses