exam strategies
TRANSCRIPT
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Exam Strategies
Student Success CenterGannon University
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Exam StrategiesPre-test
Preparation starts when you begin the courseWhat kind of exam?What can you bring/not bring to exam?Start reviewing early – good study habits
Lecture notes, readings, charts, graphs, problemsGO to ALL classes – take notes Try to get a good nights sleep before the exam
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Study Habits
AttitudeGood time management - PrioritizeThe right environmentLearning styles
AuditoryVisualTactileKinesthetic
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Study Techniques
Note cardsRewriting notesSelf tests or quizzesTalking out loudHighlightingMind mappingRereadingMnemonics
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Exam Strategies
Test TimeRelax and have confidenceReview exam – Read directionsLook at point value of questionsLeave nothing blankIf confused about question – skip and see if there are clues in other
areas of examCircle key words in difficult questionsGO with you first answer!!!
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Exam Strategies
True/FalseWatch for limited terms/qualifiers
All, none, never, always, etc…with these qualifiers is must be true all the time, many times this will lead to false answers
Usually, sometimes, and generally…if the statement can be considered true or false depending on circumstances, usually lead to a true answer.
If any part of the question is false, the answer is falseIf there is a long sentence set off by punctuation, make sure that all
parts are “true” or “false”Make your best guess – if there is no penalty
50-50 shot
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Exam Strategies
Multiple Choice Read the question before you look at the answer
Come up with own answer firstEliminate wrong answersRead all choicesKnow if you are penalized for guessingAnswer easiest questions firstCircle key words i.e. “false”Budget the amount of time you have with the number of questionsReread exam if time allowsStick with your first answer!
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Exam Strategies
EssayRead directions carefully (i.e. answer 1 of 3)
Understand what is being asked• Compare, contrast, list, criticize
Write down key words or an outlineBudget your time (weighted questions)
Proofread if time permitsFocus on main ideasHave a strong opening/conclusion sentences & clear transitionsIf unsure about question check with instructor before answering
questionBe neat
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Exam Strategies
Essay key wordsAnalyzeCompareContrastDefineDescribeEvaluateExamplesExplainInterpret
Essay key wordsJustifyListOutlineProveRelateReviewSummarizeTrace
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Exam Strategies
MatchingLook at both columns firstObserve how they relateMatch the items you are positive about first then go back and make
the best educated choices
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Exam Strategies
Online ExamsTake exam where there will be no distractionsFind out ahead of time if there are any constraints (i.e. time limit)Have paper available next to youBe careful about browsing back and forthSAVE ANSWERS!
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Exam Strategies
Post testReview exam before you hand it in
Look for careless mistakes Fill in all the blanks
Review exam when you receive it back Check points What questions did you miss and why Read over professors feedback Check where questions came from Review how you studied and if changes need to be made Keep tests if allowed Talk with professor
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Stress
StressNaturalWithout stress individuals would not be motivated, alert or drivenBad reaction
Distressed Overreact Physical problems
• Nausea• Insomnia• Bad habits – drinking, drugs, overeating
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Stress
Managing StressRelaxIf you believe you are stressed----you areGet organized and prioritizeThink positively – don’t panicAvoid excusesTake “you” timeSurround yourself with positive peopleIf stress persists get help
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Summary
Test Taking HintsEat WellNO CrammingRelaxArrive to class earlyRead and follow directionsSkim over questionsCircle key wordsUse memory devicesRecheck answersKnow ALL material
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Resources
Study Skills Assessment
http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm