Aim for the A: Effective Test-Prep

Aim for the A: Effective Test-Prep Angela Zanardelli Learning SpecialistAcademic Success Center Wayne State University au1072@wayne.edu

In this workshop we will… • Discuss various study strategies • Review tips for different types of exams • Recognize and control test-anxiety

Study Strategies-Short-Term Sessions • Short term study session are highly effective • If you get an extra 15 minutes, take advantage. Review your notes or major points of a chapter. • These short sessions will add up quickly and allow you to retain, as well as retrieve, information effectively

Study Strategies- Chapter Questions • Often times, professors will use “tweaked” versions of these questions on the exam • When you know the answers to these questions, it shows that you have mastered the chapter • Try making flashcards from these questions

Study Strategies-Group Study • By combining thoughts, ideas, and information amongst each other, everyone is guaranteed to learn more than they would on their own. • Having this extra information can be crucial when testing • Sometimes being with others makes studying seem like less of a task

Study Strategies-Rewriting Notes • Rewriting your notes helps ingrain the information into your head • It is important that you rewrite your notes as soon after the lecture as possible so that examples are fresh in your mind • Use index cards (flashcards) as a tool for memorization

Tips for Multiple Choice Exams • First, skim the test to get a feel of the layout and what is expected • Next, answer the questions you know first to help boost confidence • Know what the stem (actual question) and alternatives (possible answers) of the question are. Once you understand the stem, the answer will seem more clear • Try comprehending the stem before viewing the alternatives • Be sure to be aware of the time and budget it accordingly

Multiple Choice Exams continued… • Read the question with each option as if each statement is a true/false question • Question answers that do not fit grammatically with the stem • The correct answer is often the option with the most information • If there is an “all of the above” option and two or more of the options fit the question, it is likely that the answer is “all of the above” • NEVER LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK!

Preparation for True/False Exams • In all true false questions, look for qualifiers. Words such as rarely, usually, sometimes, and seldom allow for exceptions • Words such as never, always, no, and all indicate no exceptions • Mark statements true only if they are true without exceptions. If any part of the statement is false, the whole statement is marked false

Preparation for Essay Exams • This can be where group study comes in handy. More ideas lead to more information. • Keep in mind that instead of just memorizing information, you will have to apply it • Be sure to put an end to any unclear ideas that you have by asking your professor specific questions. • Essay exams are graded on content as well as grammar and writing style • Proof read essays and be sure you are clear about the ideas you’re expressing

Preparation for Math Exams • Consider Math a foreign language- it must be practiced • You cannot rely on memorization when studying mathematics…again, you must practice! • Math is threatening subject for many, reduce preparation anxiety by being relaxed and comfortable when you study. • Come to the test site prepared with extra pencils, erasers, and a do NOT forget your calculator

Math Exams continued… • Make a study sheet with all formulas and know how to calculate each one • Write formulas in margins of exam as soon as it is handed to you • Always check work for mistakes • Utilize all of the time given for the exam

Preparation for Science Exams • Be sure to know all formulas discussed in class and how to calculate each one • Learn the key terms in the book. These are the bold faced words that are defined within the chapters • If there is lab work involved, understand the proper safety precautions to take • Also, measurement skills are essential with lab work

Preparations for Science Exams Continued… • Illustrations in the text provide a visual understanding of the information and are often found on exams • Review and rework homework problems • Tip- if something is mentioned in the lecture as well as the textbook it is almost definitely going to be on the exam. • If something is in the lecture there is a 75% chance it will be on the exam • If it is in the book only, there is a 25% chance that it will be on the exam

Why do we have test anxiety? • Due to an intense fear of failure • Some get anxious because they see anxiety in peers who are taking the exam as well. Anxiety can be highly contagious! • The main reason for test anxiety is lack of preparation

How to recognize test anxiety • Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways • In most cases, anxiety causes students to lose concentration when they need it most • A feeling of hopelessness or panic may come over the test taker • Most commonly, the anxious test-taker’s mind draws a blank and the information that they once knew become difficult to retrieve

How to beat test anxiety • First and foremost, be mentally prepared for the exam. • Do not forget writing utensils, erasers, calculators for math and stats exams, and reading glasses if necessary • Be sure you are well rested so that you are mentally alert • A healthy meal before the exam will nourish your brain as well as body

Beating test anxiety continued… • Give yourself an attitude adjustment • Going into an exam with a negative attitude can be detrimental • You can become frustrated resulting in “giving up”

Beating test anxiety continued… • When arriving at the actual exam, be sure to arrive early to avoid rushing • Find a seat that is not near the exit as to not be distracted by those finishing before you • Do not pay attention to what others are discussing • When you receive the test, skim through the exam to see what is expected of you • Finally, take a deep breath, think positive thoughts, and begin the exam

References • Educational Video Network. (1996). Testing: Become a Top-Notch Test-Taker. Educational Video Network. Huntsville, Texas. • PALC Java Quizzes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2006 from http://palc.sd40.bc.ca/palc/index.htm • Reducing Test Taking Anxiety (n.d.) Retrieved March 16th, 2006 from www.testtakingtips.com • Richardson, J. (2006). Ahead of the Pack. Delmar Learning. Clifton Park, New York. • Studying Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20th, 2006 from http://www.soundfeelings.com/free/studying.htm • Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety (1997-2006). Retrieved March 20th, 2006 from http://www.mathpower.com/reduce.htm • DCLAE Exam Preparation Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27th 2006 from www.drexel.edu/dclae/academicresources/exam_taking/learn.htm#TF • Biology Learning Center Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28th, 2006 from www.ch.cornell.edu/campus/learn/study20%skills20% content/biotips.com

Aim for the A: Effective Test-Prep