The First Test

Read: A Day in the Life What do you notice about time spent in the classroom? How much “Free Time” does this student have? Do you detect any bad habits beginning to form? What are they? What would you do differently?

Be Ready for Culture Shock You won’t believe how much free time you have You will meet new and interesting (or at least interesting looking) people Nobody will make you get up in the morning Nobody will make you go to class There may be no homework (except reading) in many of your classes You may come to the conclusion that your classes are starting to get in the way of a really wonderful college experience

Then It happens… Your professor says “Don’t forget we have our first exam next week.” And you think, “How am I supposed to learn all this stuff in one week?” As you look around the room, you see many faces sporting a stunned look. At least you are not alone, right?

What do you do now? Go to the store and get supplies (soda and chips, etc), lock yourself in your room and begin the cram session? Bad idea! Why? Start a study group with other stunned students in your class? Not as bad an idea, but it does have drawbacks to it. What are they? Call the LC and get a tutor? Getting better, but good luck with that. Why? Find the “nerd” in the class who has already prepared for the test and study with them? Best idea so far, but will they want to study with you?

Best Idea of All Be the “nerd”! Don’t get stunned. Start early and prepare thoroughly. You will have fuller hair and fresher breath (particularly on test day). You will be the best looking “nerd” in your class. You may be surprised how popular you become. The first test of the semester will not cause you to lose as much sleep, because you will understand a few things about it others only understand later in their college experience (if there is a “later”)

What the First Test Should not Be Initial “Meeting of the Minds”  Contact your professor early in the semester Introduce yourself sometime the first week or two of class Engage your instructor in conversation regarding course material Take advantage of Office Hours  Ask questions about the exam What topics does the test cover? What type of questions will be on the test? What material will I be tested on? Something to be feared The professor is not trying to fool you One test does not determine your fitness for college

What the First Test Should Be A demonstration of academic competence Are you progressing adequately in the subject matter? Are your study habits satisfactory or do they need to be revamped? A gauge of the Instructor’s mindset What material does the instructor stress? What type of questions does the instructor place higher value upon?

Test Prep that Works When doing class reading assignments, think SODA (Stay One Day Ahead) Outline Chapters by SQ3R Survey and list major headings/bold words Question your list (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) Read and answer questions (Work through new questions that arise, make flashcards/timelines, etc.) Recite answers to questions Review periodically and summarize one week before exam. Complete Pretest Checklist Deal with distractions

Overcoming Distractions “The true art of memory is the art of attention.”--- Samuel Johnson Set study goals Find a study partner/small group (don’t let these descend into gripe sessions) Look for other texts/readings about subject Use workbooks/study guides Study where there is no access to TV or a telephone. Turn your cell phone off.

Finally… Eat right this semester. (The freshman fifteen, don’t let it happen to you!) Exercise: Good way to deal with roommate stress. (Consult a physician) Get enough sleep: All semester, but particularly before an exam. Be positive: College has many different challenges that you can overcome, so set your mind to enjoy them. (Laugh with someone everyday at least three times a day)

What do you do if you “Bomb It” "It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again." Vince Lombardi Studies have shown that many students who do poorly on the first test of the semester never recover and do poorly overall in the course. Contact your Professor and go over test with her if possible. Get over it as soon as possible.

Study Smarter not Harder for the Next Exam Do a Post-Test Analysis Make a new study schedule and stick to it (new Pre-Test Checklist) Contact the Learning Center for help on content (Core Curriculum/Math Desk) or study skills (Study Strategies Desk) Become your instructor’s/TA’s new best friend

Regrets: I have quite a few Linda Walsh, a professor of psychology at the University of Northern Iowa, took an informal survey of her first year students. Of those who responded, 92% wished they had done things differently their first semester. 83% Do course reading 82% Time management 82% Study often instead of cramming 78% Procrastinate less 74% Get help early if needed 68% Find a good study location

Tips for Success GO TO CLASS!!! Time spent in class reduces time spent studying Test clues Pop quizzes Never cram…unless it is totally necessary Find a study spot (there is this little building called the library you should try) Get help early (Start study groups, Go to the LC) SODA: Stay one day ahead! (Lecture will become a review of the reading/homework assignments) Take care of yourself both physically and mentally Have fun!