Dr Michelle Reid, Study Advice Economics 15 Jan 2014 Preparing for finals

The good news! You have done exams before so: Familiar with university-style exams Have already developed strategies for revision and in exam room Hopefully know your preferred ways of learning Know the areas you want to work on 2

Which best describes you when preparing for exams? 3 “Perfectly planned Polly” “Laid back Larry” Are you planning to adapt your existing exam strategies for your finals – if so, why?

Adapting your strategies Allowing enough time for revision Ensuring the right balance between modules Not trying to cover / memorise absolutely everything Using past papers and doing more practice Managing nerves Not comparing self to others / doing a post mortem! 4

Difference between finals and exams in other years Looking for deeper understanding Looking for evidence of some wider reading and thinking More competing demands on your limited time 5

What to do now Check for any gaps in your understanding => get support sooner rather than later Organise your notes and materials – know where to find things when you need them Block off time for small amounts of regular practice / reading Keep on top of your coursework – need time for revision over Easter Maintain or start any relaxation strategies Develop your understanding steadily as you go along 6

Who can help Study Advice - feedback, dissertations, exam prep –Study guides –One-to-one sessions –Seminars The final push: completing your dissertation Wed 29 th Jan, pm, Carrington 101 Succeed in your finals Wed 5 th March, pm, Carrington Library, first floor (room 103) 7

Who can help ASK Adviser for Economics - Antonia Fernandez –Drop in hours: Thursdays pm and Fridays am in HumSS 190 Lecturers / Tutor –Help with subject-specific questions / how to fill gaps in understanding –See office hours 8

© University of Reading 2006www.reading.ac.uk Dr Alicia Peña Bizama, Student Wellbeing Economics 15 Jan 2014 Maintaining health and motivation

Tips to keep healthy Maintain a regular routine – sleep, meals/healthy food Take breaks on a regular basis (10 min) Drink water/fluids to keep hydrated Exercise (walking, stretching) Connect with others Improve your stamina by keeping fit 10

Tips to maintain motivation Focus on learning rather than the outcome Visualise learning each step of the task …see it happening, think of possibilities of things working out Challenge thoughts of worst case scenarios – focus on what you are learning Challenge thoughts of failure – think about learning opportunities. No one is perfect. Remind yourself you are making regular efforts and do what you can each day Be your best friend – be kind and understanding 11

Tips to get things done Break tasks down into small steps – start with the easier one Identify distractions and pre-plan what you can do when these appear so that you are able to focus on your work Identify things you want to do (eg. talk to friends, check Facebook, etc) and use these as rewards Focus on the things you are doing – not on what is left to do 12

Resources Life Tools talks (increasing concentration, preparing for exams) Counselling and Wellbeing (Peer Supporters) Leaflets

Good luck in your finals! 14