Lody
21-Jan-2009, 08:59 AM
I read for you, hopefully you will find it useful:)
As final exams are approaching, the Methods of Inquiry course asserts that successful students recommend 3 study techniques when preparing for exams. Remember to begin your test preparation early and be sure to utilize these successful techniques and tips.
1) Generate Questions – Turn information that you have to learn from lecture notes, readings, supplementary assignments, and previous tests and quizzes into questions that you need to answer. If you can’t generate questions, you most likely don’t understand the material.
2) Concept Mapping – Take the information that you need to learn and put it into a picture format instead of simply reading the material. You want to be able to SEE the whole picture, how it all fits together, and not see things as random.
3) Create Mock Exams – You need to predict the questions the teacher is trying to ask you. You therefore want to use test preparation that will allow you to practice the kind of questions that you will see on the test.
Ideas for creating mock exams:
• Find out the kind of exam that you are going to be asked to take. Is it essay, multiple choice, etc.? You want to prepare in the same format and with the same length that you will receive for the test.
• Generate and predict test questions. Use the questions from your notes and text.
• Practice the test. Time yourself. Make the conditions the same as what you will be given the day of your exam. If you experience test anxiety, try to put yourself in the same room where you will take the test and practice it.
• Make sure you have an answer key for the test. Make a separate answer key to practice. Find out what you don’t know. Look up answers in your notes and texts.
• Go to the professor with SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. For example, be able to say “I understand this section, but this other section is where I am confused” or “this is an example of where I am stuck.” Ask your TA questions.
• Study with friends, especially with a friend who loves the class. You can also make mock exams and exchange them with other students for repetition and review.
• Review your mock exams daily and multiple days before your tests. Repetition helps memory and reduces anxiety.
• Use previous exams and use passed tests as tools for future tests. Why did you make mistakes?
• See your professor if you do poorly on a test.
Source: Ahuna, Kelly H. and Tinnesz, Christine G. (2003). Methods of Inquiry: Applied Critical Thinking. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
As final exams are approaching, the Methods of Inquiry course asserts that successful students recommend 3 study techniques when preparing for exams. Remember to begin your test preparation early and be sure to utilize these successful techniques and tips.
1) Generate Questions – Turn information that you have to learn from lecture notes, readings, supplementary assignments, and previous tests and quizzes into questions that you need to answer. If you can’t generate questions, you most likely don’t understand the material.
2) Concept Mapping – Take the information that you need to learn and put it into a picture format instead of simply reading the material. You want to be able to SEE the whole picture, how it all fits together, and not see things as random.
3) Create Mock Exams – You need to predict the questions the teacher is trying to ask you. You therefore want to use test preparation that will allow you to practice the kind of questions that you will see on the test.
Ideas for creating mock exams:
• Find out the kind of exam that you are going to be asked to take. Is it essay, multiple choice, etc.? You want to prepare in the same format and with the same length that you will receive for the test.
• Generate and predict test questions. Use the questions from your notes and text.
• Practice the test. Time yourself. Make the conditions the same as what you will be given the day of your exam. If you experience test anxiety, try to put yourself in the same room where you will take the test and practice it.
• Make sure you have an answer key for the test. Make a separate answer key to practice. Find out what you don’t know. Look up answers in your notes and texts.
• Go to the professor with SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. For example, be able to say “I understand this section, but this other section is where I am confused” or “this is an example of where I am stuck.” Ask your TA questions.
• Study with friends, especially with a friend who loves the class. You can also make mock exams and exchange them with other students for repetition and review.
• Review your mock exams daily and multiple days before your tests. Repetition helps memory and reduces anxiety.
• Use previous exams and use passed tests as tools for future tests. Why did you make mistakes?
• See your professor if you do poorly on a test.
Source: Ahuna, Kelly H. and Tinnesz, Christine G. (2003). Methods of Inquiry: Applied Critical Thinking. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.