Academic Success Workshop Exam Preparation Professor Kevin Anderson

Purpose and Objectives To ensure students are adequately prepared for exams To introduce study techniques that can be used for exam preparation To explain what an “Exam Study Guide” is and how to create one To find the best place or places to study To get organized To determine “what’s the best time for me to study?’ How to gain the most out of 15 minutes of exam study Study groups: Do they help and when should you use them

To ensure students are adequately prepared for exams You are not getting a new brain; You have to use the one you have

What Kind of Learner Are You? Auditory Learners – learn best by hearing (lectures, discussions, CD’s) Visual Learners – learn best by seeing (films, pictures, flash cards, charts, diagrams) Kinesthetic Learners –learn best by doing (labs, hands-on activities)

Noted educator – Dr. William Glasser states students learn: 10% of what they read 20% of what they hear 30% of what they see 50% of what they see and hear 70% of what is discussed with others 80% of what they experience personally 95% of what they teach to someone else

Get ORGANIZED for Study Determine how long you will need to prepare (hours, days, weeks, months, etc..) Apportion the time (Do I have 1 week or just 3 days?) What do I hope to accomplish out of this particular study session (i.e., memorize rules of law) How long should my individual study session be?

Organize Your Study Session Research has shown that students learn the most during the first and last 10 minutes of any study session. If you need to memorize anything do that first. Take a break every 45-50 minutes.

What is an “Exam Study Guide” and do I need one? It’s the “Holy Grail” of exam preparation. Everything you need to know for your exam can be found in the exam study guide. It is created from your instructors exam review, lecture notes, past class assignments you will be tested on. Anything else you deem important (day and time of the exam, scantron forms, #2 pencils). Begin creating it immediately after the exam review.

Where is the best place for ME to study Do I need complete quiet? Am I easily distracted or interrupted? Do I need a place that is well lit? Do I need a lot of desk space? Will a friend or classmate Hinder or Help me?

How to gain the most out of 15 minutes of exam study Organize your study guide in a way you can review most important topics in 15 minutes or less. If you have 15 minutes of free time review just one of the important topics in your study guide. Athletes traveling a long distance to away events, put your study guide on a disk that can be heard with an MP 3 Player. (It really works!)

To introduce study techniques that can be used for exam preparation Memorization – should be done first Practice writing – if your exam is an essay exam Sample test questions – from the book, the web, and sometimes from your instructor. Begin with short answers (a paragraph or less). Place yourself under exam conditions and practice taking the exam (do this at least 2 times before an exam), it helps relieve test anxiety.

Study Groups: Do they help and when should you use them Yes they can but should not be a substitute for personal study. Ensure each group member is prepared when the group meets. Know before the group meets what the groups wants to accomplish at this study session Stay focused

Repeat the Process over and over and over and over and over again!