Study Strategies for Mid-Terms! Online Workshop Russell Conwell Center Natalie Walker

Preparing for midterms can seem like a daunting and overwhelming task. Is it cumulative from the beginning of the semester? Is it just another test? How do you prepare for each type of test? We’re going to answer these questions in this online workshop. Please open the following link in your browser. It is the accompanying quiz that you need to complete as you go along.

Before we start… Let’s do a quick self assessment of your current practices: Read the following questions and answer “yes” or “no” according to how you currently prepare for exams. Almost no one can honestly answer “yes” to all of these. However, by thinking about it and marking your answers down on paper, you will be taking the first step toward changing your test preparation strategies.

1. Do you begin planning and studying for exams from the first week of the semester? YES NO 2. Do you review all readings and lecture notes on a daily and weekly basis? YES NO 3. Do you analyze homework, quizzes, and exams throughout the semester for pattern and error? YES NO 4. Do you obtain copies of previous semesters’ exams to use as study guides? YES NO 5. Do you get normal amounts of food, sleep, and exercise before exams to help reduce stress? YES NO 6. Do you identify possible exam questions while reading and taking notes? YES NO 7. Do you study with a partner or a group? YES NO

8. Do you use your instructors’ office hours to ask questions about material you don’t understand? YES NO 9. Do you develop a time budget strategy before each exam to ensure that you complete the exam? YES NO 10. Do you make a calendar or schedule of what, how, and when you need to review for each course? YES NO 11. Do you use study strategies appropriate to type of exam (e.g., flashcards to memorize for recall tests)? YES NO 12. Do you use small portions of time for review rather than cramming? YES NO 13. Do you attend all classes and use effective note-taking strategies? YES NO 14. Do you learn course material in-depth enough that you could explain it to one of your classmates? YES NO

Current Strategies How do you prepare for tests/exams? How much time do you dedicate? What are your successful strategies?

Key Elements of Test Prep Before we continue, there are some key elements that you need to determine: –Format : Will the exam be objective or subjective? –What will be covered: What chapters and topics will be on the test? Will the final be comprehensive? –Logistics: Where will the exam be held? What day and time? What materials do you need to bring?

Before, During, and After Before: –Start preparing for your exams the first day of class. –Plan reviews as part of your regularly weekly study schedule –Reviews are much more than reading and rereading all assignments. –Review for several short periods rather than one long period. –Turn the main points of each topic or heading into questions

Before, During, and After During: –First, read the directions carefully!! –Remember to preview the test to see how much time you need to allot for each section. –Work on the "easiest" parts first. –Find out if you are penalized for incorrect responses –When answering essay questions, try to make a outline in the margin before you begin writing –Save time at the end of the exam to review your test and make sure you haven't left out any answers or parts of answers.

Before, During, and After After: –If the instructor reviews the exam in class, make sure you attend. –Be happy its over! –De-stress!!!

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 8 –Find any old tests available. –Detect what material you will be responsible for on the test. –Divide the material into FOUR EQUAL PARTS: A, B, C, D. –Allow time to plan this to the best of your ability.

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 7 –Thoroughly review all material in Part A. –Write study sheets using your notes and text book in your own words –Identify main points within this area. Draw visual aides for clarity. –Ask yourself questions about the material and quiz yourself –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor.

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 6 –Repeat instructions for Day 7, this time reviewing Part B. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor.

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 5 –Repeat for Part C. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor. DAY 4 –Repeat for Part D. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor.

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 3 –Review Parts A and B fully. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor. DAY 2 –Review ALL Parts C and D fully. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor.

Eight Day Study Plan DAY 1 – Review All Parts A, B, C,D. Pay special attention to problem areas. –If you have any problems with the material, see your instructor.

Eight Day Study Plan TEST DAY –Use your very best test-taking strategies during the exam –RELAX!

Stress Relief Be sure to reward yourself after all your hard work. If you can follow a study schedule, incorporate some of these tips and strategies for midterm preparation and test taking…YOU DESERVE IT!

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