Aim for the A: Effective Test-Prep

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Aim for the A Effective Test-Prep

• Angela Zanardelli
• Learning SpecialistAcademic Success Center
• Wayne State University
• au1072_at_wayne.edu

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In this workshop we will

• Discuss various study strategies
• Review tips for different types of exams
• Recognize and control test-anxiety

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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 youre expressing

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Preparation for Math Exams

• Consider Math a foreign language- it must be
  practiced
• You cannot rely on memorization when studying
  mathematicsagain, 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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-takers mind
  draws a blank and the information that they once
  knew become difficult to retrieve

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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

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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

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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

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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.ht
  m
• 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/dcla
  e/academicresources/exam_taking/learn.htmTF
• Biology Learning Center Strategies. (n.d.).
  Retrieved March 28th, 2006 from
  www.ch.cornell.edu/campus/learn/study20skills20
  content/biotips.com