Angela Zanardelli Learning Specialist Academic Success Center Wayne State University

In this workshop we will… Discuss various study strategies Review tips for different types of exams Recognize and control test-anxiety

Study Strategies-Short-Term Sessions Short term study session are highly effective If you get an extra 15 minutes, take advantage. Review your notes or major points of a chapter. These short sessions will add up quickly and allow you to retain, as well as retrieve, information effectively

Study Strategies- Chapter Questions Often times, professors will use “tweaked” versions of these questions on the exam When you know the answers to these questions, it shows that you have mastered the chapter Try making flashcards from these questions

Study Strategies-Group Study By combining thoughts, ideas, and information amongst each other, everyone is guaranteed to learn more than they would on their own. Having this extra information can be crucial when testing Sometimes being with others makes studying seem like less of a task

Study Strategies-Rewriting Notes Rewriting your notes helps ingrain the information into your head It is important that you rewrite your notes as soon after the lecture as possible so that examples are fresh in your mind Use index cards (flashcards) as a tool for memorization

Tips for Multiple Choice Exams First, skim the test to get a feel of the layout and what is expected Next, answer the questions you know first to help boost confidence Know what the stem (actual question) and alternatives (possible answers) of the question are. Once you understand the stem, the answer will seem more clear Try comprehending the stem before viewing the alternatives Be sure to be aware of the time and budget it accordingly

Multiple Choice Exams continued… Read the question with each option as if each statement is a true/false question Question answers that do not fit grammatically with the stem The correct answer is often the option with the most information If there is an “all of the above” option and two or more of the options fit the question, it is likely that the answer is “all of the above” NEVER LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK!

Preparation for True/False Exams In all true false questions, look for qualifiers. Words such as rarely, usually, sometimes, and seldom allow for exceptions Words such as never, always, no, and all indicate no exceptions Mark statements true only if they are true without exceptions. If any part of the statement is false, the whole statement is marked false

Preparation for Essay Exams This can be where group study comes in handy. More ideas lead to more information. Keep in mind that instead of just memorizing information, you will have to apply it Be sure to put an end to any unclear ideas that you have by asking your professor specific questions. Essay exams are graded on content as well as grammar and writing style Proof read essays and be sure you are clear about the ideas you’re expressing

Preparation for Math Exams Consider Math a foreign language- it must be practiced You cannot rely on memorization when studying mathematics…again, you must practice! Math is threatening subject for many, reduce preparation anxiety by being relaxed and comfortable when you study. Come to the test site prepared with extra pencils, erasers, and a do NOT forget your calculator

Math Exams continued… Make a study sheet with all formulas and know how to calculate each one Write formulas in margins of exam as soon as it is handed to you Always check work for mistakes Utilize all of the time given for the exam

Preparation for Science Exams Be sure to know all formulas discussed in class and how to calculate each one Learn the key terms in the book. These are the bold faced words that are defined within the chapters If there is lab work involved, understand the proper safety precautions to take Also, measurement skills are essential with lab work

Preparations for Science Exams Continued… Illustrations in the text provide a visual understanding of the information and are often found on exams Review and rework homework problems Tip- if something is mentioned in the lecture as well as the textbook it is almost definitely going to be on the exam. If something is in the lecture there is a 75% chance it will be on the exam If it is in the book only, there is a 25% chance that it will be on the exam

Why do we have test anxiety? Due to an intense fear of failure Some get anxious because they see anxiety in peers who are taking the exam as well. Anxiety can be highly contagious! The main reason for test anxiety is lack of preparation

How to recognize test anxiety Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways In most cases, anxiety causes students to lose concentration when they need it most A feeling of hopelessness or panic may come over the test taker Most commonly, the anxious test-taker’s mind draws a blank and the information that they once knew become difficult to retrieve

How to beat test anxiety First and foremost, be mentally prepared for the exam. Do not forget writing utensils, erasers, calculators for math and stats exams, and reading glasses if necessary Be sure you are well rested so that you are mentally alert A healthy meal before the exam will nourish your brain as well as body

Beating test anxiety continued… Give yourself an attitude adjustment Going into an exam with a negative attitude can be detrimental You can become frustrated resulting in “giving up”

Beating test anxiety continued… When arriving at the actual exam, be sure to arrive early to avoid rushing Find a seat that is not near the exit as to not be distracted by those finishing before you Do not pay attention to what others are discussing When you receive the test, skim through the exam to see what is expected of you Finally, take a deep breath, think positive thoughts, and begin the exam

References Educational Video Network. (1996). Testing: Become a Top-Notch Test-Taker. Educational Video Network. Huntsville, Texas. PALC Java Quizzes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16 th, 2006 from Reducing Test Taking Anxiety (n.d.) Retrieved March 16 th, 2006 from Richardson, J. (2006). Ahead of the Pack. Delmar Learning. Clifton Park, New York. Studying Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20 th, 2006 from Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety ( ). Retrieved March 20 th, 2006 from DCLAE Exam Preparation Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27 th 2006 from TF TF Biology Learning Center Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28 th, 2006 from content/biotips.com