Preparing for Major Tests: Developing a Five Day Study Plan Learn about the major exam Use the study plan to prepare for and review materials for a major test

Learn about the Exam Types of questions: objective or essay Number of questions Topics or concepts covered Level of questions

Levels of questions Knowledge (Remembering) Comprehension (Understanding) Application (Using information) Analysis (Seeing relationships) Synthesis (Putting concepts together) Evaluating (Judging, comparing) Creating

Knowledge Level Questions Require rote memory Focus on terms, dates, facts, lists Tend to be objective (T/F, Multiple Choice, Matching) May be answered with minimal review because you recognize the answer

Comprehension Level Questions Requires understanding of the material so you can recognize and use concepts or issues that are rephrased or described differently from the text or lecture. Example: word problems in math Ex: What main thought patterns would you expect to find in a geography textbook?

Application Level Questions Requires you to apply the information learned to a new situation Examples: math word problems, further analysis questions in McWhorter

Analysis Level Questions Require you see relationships to break down a complex concept into its component parts Ex: Describe how each step of the SQ4R reading-study system helps you learn and remember.

Synthesis Level Questions Require you to bring separate or related ideas together to form a larger concept, pattern or idea. Describe several study skill strategies that students with your learning style can use to prepare for a major exam

Evaluation Level Questions Require you to make judgments about the value or worth of an idea Are based on both analysis and synthesis of the concepts involved Ex: Which study tools (e.g. highlighting, SQ4R, self-test, summary sheets) will you use to prepare for your ____ mid-term?

Creating Level Questions Require you to apply the concepts in a new way Ex: Describe one of your long term goals that you want to accomplish in the next year. Write four short term goals using SMARTR format that will help you achieve it.

Advantages of the Five Day Study Plan Organizes your materials for test preparation in manageable chunks Promotes distributed practice, active learning and elaborative rehearsal Provides self-testing to monitor your learning Reduces procrastination, cramming and test anxiety

Why increase your study time? Poor grades often result from inadequate study time One to three hours the night before is insufficient A and B students spend 8 – 10 hours preparing for each college exam: challenging classes require more time College exams may cover 10 to 20 times as much information as high school exams

Four steps of the Five day Study Plan Be specific and realistic Set target dates and times Set up a process for studying Plan your intrinsic or extrinsic reward

Step one: Be specific and realistic Ask: what do I need to review? Make a list of all the topics you need to review List the chapters, class lecture notes, homework assignments, lab reports, group projects, quizzes, and other materials covered in class

Step Two: Set target dates and times Set specific times for organized review sessions. Ask: what days and times can I study? Mark these times on your weekly calendar Mon Wed Fri Sat Sun 8 – 9 am 3 – 4 pm 1 – 2 pm 5 - 7 pm 1 – 3 pm 6 – 8 pm

Step Three: Set up a process Group the items on your study list into four logical categories or themes You will review one category on each of the first four days Create a plan for reviewing the material For each day, identify the times you’ll study and the specific tasks you plan to do during that time. Ex: First review chapter summary, then concept cards & then class notes

Review Plan… Wednesday Thursday 1. Make study sheets for ch 12 -16b

Step Three: Continued On day five, review summary notes on all of the material and quiz yourself Summary notes consist of materials that need to be reviewed one final time before the test.