COMPREHENSIVE EXAMTUTORIAL

August 2013

J. James Cotter, Tracey L. Gendron, Jenny Inker, Ellen PhippsDepartment of Gerontology, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University

PRESENTERS

Ellen Phipps, CTRSVP Programs & ServicesAlzheimer’s Association. CWVAVCU Gerontology 2013

Jenny Inker, MBA, LALFAExecutive DirectorChambrel at WilliamsburgVCU Gerontology 2013

Stress? What Stress?

GETTING STARTED

1. BE PREPARED!

2. Know what to expect1. How many questions? 2. How much time? 3. Exam format.

3. Preparation for the exam begins with the first class1. How much time will you need to prepare? 2. 6 months? 3. 3 months?

Tracey GendronAnswers the Exam’s FAQs

Here are the instructions:Here are the instructions:

Define or briefly Define or briefly identify 45 of the following 55 names, items, or concepts.

There are There are 5 mandatory questions and of the remaining 50, and of the remaining 50, you choose which 40 to answer. .

The exam is one of

and IDENTIFICATION DEFINITION

Citations to research should be used throughout the examination but you do not have to compile a reference list. This is an essential part of your response and is heavily weighted. This has been the difference between students

doing well and students failing the exam.

You must answer 5 mandatory questions correctly and at least 32 others correctly to pass (80%).

.

You should know the major theories in Gerontology and their theorists!

Dr. Cotter’s Study Strategy:

Get with a group and quiz one another.

Practice with a timer. From your study guide, which should probably be 30-50 pages, randomly select 45 items and practice identifying them in 2 hours.

Be aware of the time constraints. The two hours works out to be about 2.5 min per identification. Don't get bogged down!

My strategy would be to pick the low hanging fruit, get the basics down on them, and then find the remainder that you need.

Make one pass through the exam answering as many as possible as rapidly as you can. Don't dwell on the ones you don't know or unsure of. Once you determine how many you have answered, go back and take a stab at the ones you are unsure of.  

TIMELINE AND GOALS

Create a timeline with deadlines Set aside specific study times and schedule

and stick to it Consider meeting with a study group

GATHER INFORMATION

RESOURCES: blackboard notes – study guides text books fellow students professors tutors other?

GATHER INFORMATION

Review of texts Review PowerPoint slides Review notes Organize material by subject Ask questions!

STUDY STRUCTURE

Create a study guide by subject Key terms and definitions Theories – author, year, significance Don’t forget the basics Think of big picture Overlap of themes

Examples of Excellent Answers:

Examples of Excellent Answers:

Depression Alcoholism

Suicide

FLASH CARDS

• An old idea but a good one• The traditional way• The modern way – flashcardmachine.com

USING YOUR STUDY GUIDE

• How to get the best out of your study guide• What good answers look like: who, what, when,

why and how• Learning from others• Focusing on your development areas• Practice makes perfect!

PRACTICE TESTS

•Practice like you mean it•Get a feel for the timing•Manage your test anxiety•Focus on your development areas

PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY

No last minute cramming Get a good night’s sleep Eat before the test Plan your travel so you arrive in time Bring a watch to pace yourself better Go to the bathroom before walking into the

exam room Manage your attitude

POST POST TESTTEST

• Waiting for your resultsWaiting for your results• Respect the confidentiality of the examRespect the confidentiality of the exam• Review the options if you need to re-take Review the options if you need to re-take

the examthe exam

THINK POSITIVELY!!