HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button Select “Meeting Minder” Select the “Action Items” tab Type in action items as they come up Click OK to dismiss this box This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered. HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS Student Success Strategies- Grade 9

Five Steps to Success on Exams Step 1- Believe in Yourself Step 2- Get Organized Step 3- Manage Your Time Step 4- Study Smart Step 5- Use Exam Taking Strategies

“ To succeed, we must first believe that we can.” Michael Korda Step One- Believe in Yourself! It is important to have a positive mindset! Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Set realistic goals. Know your current marks! “ To succeed, we must first believe that we can.” Michael Korda

Step 2- Get Organized A. Notes B. Exam Schedule Keep course notes together & separate from other courses Put notes in chronological order Ensure you have all resources (textbook, calculator, previous tests, etc.) Classmates contact information B. Exam Schedule Be sure to find the following information ahead of time and record in your Calendar! Course Code:________ Date: ________ Time: ____ Rm: ___

Exam Schedule- Semester 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 23 24 Exam Period 1: In class 25 Exam Period 2: In class 26 Exam Period 3 27 Exam Period 4 30 Exam Day (Alternative) 31 1 Credit Completion 2 Semester 2 begins 3

Step Three- Manage Your Time Create a STUDY SCHEDULE - What time of day do you learn best? - What activities do you have to work around? - How many exams do you have? - How much time exists from now until exams? Be realistic!

Step Four- Study Smart Use a COMBINATION of STUDY METHODS discuss aloud, use flash cards, graphic organizers, teach a friend, etc. -DO NOT just read over your notes! - Review the material 3 X's using different methods. “Students learn 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 50% of what they see & hear, 70% of what is discussed with others, 80% of what they experience personally, & 95% of what they teach to someone else.” William Glasser

The 9 BEST Scientific Study Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p60rN9JEapg

Step Four- Study Smart 1. Know what is going to be on the exam. 2. Organize the material needed to be studied into 30 minutes portions. Take a break after each portion. We learn best at the ‘start & end’ of a study session 3. When reviewing a topic ask yourself, Who, What, When, Where, Why & How. 4. Pay close attention during EXAM REVIEW.

  Step Four- Study Smart 5. If you have a Textbook, review bold terms. 6. If you have a Review Sheet, complete it. 7. Write down any names, dates, formulas, definitions or facts that need to be memorized on an index card. Continue reviewing the information until the exam.    

Before an EXAM!! . Eat well & be well rested. Do NOT watch TV or play computer games before going to bed prior to the exam. LAST minute studying and Cramming does not HELP. So make sure that you have had enough SLEEP!

Step Five: Exam Taking Strategies Show up 10 minutes early Go to the washroom Have everything you need with you Dress appropriately (Warm outside but cool inside) Books, bags, coats and phones are left at the front of the room Write facts, formulas at the top of the exam A.S.A.P. Read over the exam and develop a plan (E.g., Determine the amount of time you need to spend on each section of the exam and start with the questions you know) Return to the questions you are not sure of Take the time to check your answers before you finish Write your name on the top of each page

TRUE/FALSE STRATEGIES Read the statement carefully. For a statement to be true, every part of it must be true. When in doubt, guess! You have a 50% chance of being correct

MULTIPLE CHOICE STRATEGIES Hide the answers and answer the question without looking at any of the options. Then look for your answer. Read the STEM of the question with each of the possible answers. If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then make an educated guess.

SHORT ANSWER STRATEGIES Keep your answer simple and to the point. Do not re-state the question! Be neat and write in complete sentences. Use the marks allotted as a guide to how many valid points you need to include in your answer!

ESSAY QUESTION STRATEGIES Start with the question you know most about! First brainstorm, then organize information. Be neat and write in complete sentences. Paragraph One - state the question and tell the reader what they can expect to learn from the essay. Middle Paragraphs - present examples, details, evidence, and facts to support the points you are making. Final Paragraph-restate your position along with a quick summary.