Disability Support Service Level One James Joyce Library 1 Study Skills Workshops Exam Preparation

2 Learning Outcomes This workshop will help you to: Review Current Strategies Explore Effective Preparation Techniques Gain Insight into effective organisation for exams Prepare more effectively for exams Use stress management techniques before and during exams

3 Overview Effective Study Techniques Reviewing Principles of Memory Getting Organised Exam Preparation In the Exam Common Pitfalls Stress Management

4 Effective Study Techniques Create right study environment Use active reading strategies (SQ3R) Identify essential information Summarise in your own words Review – end of session

5 Effective Study Techniques Present information to yourself in various ways –Diagrams –Notes –Visual or motor presentations –discussions Use headings and structure

6 Reviewing Material Students who review recall for longer Regular intervals of review –Same day –One day later –Two weeks later –Nine weeks later Lack of review – studying harder

7 Principles of Memory Organisation Overlearning Depth of Processing Rehearsal Preparation Retrieval »Moran, A. P. (2000)

8 Getting Organised Organise your notes by topics and themes in your course Plan your time (revision timetable or to do list) Select what needs to be revised Review past exam papers for format and content

9 Getting Organised Check your course outline or check with fellow students / tutors etc Condense material to summary sheets or mind maps Try discussing exam answers with others Use elaboration and organisational strategies.

10 Examinations Preparation –Past Papers –Focus on question types –Create timetable of study –Create timetable of exams –Practice questions –Look for hints

11 Examinations: What you need to know When & where? Seen or unseen? How Long? Number of papers? Types of Questions? How many questions to be answered? Compulsory questions? Allocation of marks? Equipment permitted? (e.g. calculator in maths )

12 Examinations: In the Exam Choose questions carefully and quickly Ensure you understand the question fully Look for key words (process & content) Brainstorm Plan your answers well – mind maps Hand up all plans and rough work. Always leave time for editing

13 Examinations: In the Exam Answer the question –Key terms –Area of course –Critical analysis/argument –Objective –Support opinions/make conclusion Draw on material from the course: Use to back up your arguments Don't overfill your answer full of names and facts Always plan your time and use it wisely Pay attention to presentation: Use paragraph structure for layout.

14 Common Pitfalls in Exams Not answering sufficient questions Not reading instructions correctly Not reading the questions correctly Not answering the question asked Incorrectly identifying key terms Incorrectly identifying instructions

15 Stress Management Positive Visualisation Rehearsal Breathing Techniques Relaxation Techniques Good Planning Exercise Sleep

16 References Cook Counselling Centre, University of Virginia ( Study Skills, Clifton Press, (2000) Managing your own learning, Moran, A.P. (2000) The Good Study Guide, The Open University, (1990)