Kyle Zhang (independent candidate): ‘We need to critically evaluate whether group projects are necessary’

Independent candidate for the university council Kyle Zhang wants Tilburg University to take a critical look at the role of group work in education. Winning a seat is not the most important thing for him: ‘If more attention is given to these problems, that in itself is already a win.’

What should change at Tilburg University?

‘What bothers me, and many other students, is how inefficient some group projects are. There have been times when lecturers organize things well and interesting debates emerge as a result – I really appreciate such classes. But more often, that is not the case. Lecturers assign group projects without structural support, which means we mainly end up coordinating dates and managing each other’s schedules.

‘If group projects are necessary for a course, it should be clearly communicated why that is the case. What does it give us as students? What can we get out of it? And if you as a lecturer then start with things like ‘helping each other’, ‘collaboration’ or ‘time management’, I’m out. I’m not doing a research master’s for that.

‘If I am elected to the university council, I will advocate for university-wide guidelines for group work. We need to critically assess whether a group project is truly necessary for the learning objectives of a course. If that is the case, we should use better group allocation tools, so that students are grouped based on shared goals and availability – and ensure that lecturers provide the active guidance needed for efficient collaboration.’

What is going well?

‘The feedback, I love it. I feel that my master’s program really wants to hear from students what they think about the program and what can be improved. During a feedback session there are always snacks, coffee and pizzas. It’s a pleasant gathering where you can chat with fellow students while also giving feedback to your program. This is very good for students’ mental health. In my master’s, we do this every month.’

Why are you running as an independent candidate?

‘What distinguishes me from other parties and candidates? I started as an international student and later became a Dutch citizen. That’s a long story, but because I went through this transition during my studies, I developed an in-depth understanding of both sides of the student experience.

‘During that process I worked with international and Dutch students and saw how their problems and expectations differ. By experiencing both sides, I understand those differences and the conflicts that arise from them, for example in group work. That’s why I want to bring my perspective to the council.’

Why should students vote for you?

‘I think my perspective on university policy issues is uniquely balanced. I understand the urgent and often high pressure that international students face, but I also share the long-term vision and community-oriented mindset of local students. When students with very different goals are randomly assigned to work together, it inevitably leads to frustration and inefficiency.

‘My dual perspective allows me to build bridges between these groups and advocate for inclusive policies that truly work for everyone.’

How will you campaign on your own?

‘I think it’s difficult without a party, but I would like to set up a stand and share my ideas through interviews like this. For me, winning is not the most important thing, but making problems visible and spreading my views. If people take something from that and it gains attention, that in itself is already a win.’

_Advertentie.