DIT School of Computing Postgraduate Examinations Guide to tackling written examinations

Details of modules  Each module you study has a specification available from the programme document available from the library  In the module specification will be detailed  Aims and objectives of the module  Learning outcomes  What you will be expected to be able to do/know on completion of the module  Content  Details of how the module is assessed  Reading lists  The form of assessment varies from module to module  The majority of modules have  a large component of continuous assessment (minimum 40%)  This should usually be completed before the end of the teaching session and feedback provided to you on your performance  a large component of written examination (minimum 50%)

What is a written examination for?  To assess students ability to meet selected learning outcomes in the module being examined  Under the same conditions  Under time pressure  It is NOT to test your ability to recall definitions or recreate notes  It IS about assessing your ability to demonstrate LEVEL 9 skills such as  A systematic understanding of knowledge  Critical awareness of topics  Advanced skills  Wider awareness of the implications of topics or the application of skills learnt  Ability to work under pressure

How should I prepare for a written examination?  Read the MODULE SPECIFICATION in the PROGRAMME DOCUMENT  Ensure you are familiar with the LEARNING OUTCOMES  Study PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS  Try to construct answers to questions using the material provided to you by your lecturer  This includes notes, practical classes, additional reading  Ask your lecturer for clarification on anything on which you are unclear  Ask your classmates for their views

What does an examination paper look like? Name of institute and location of examination Name of programme of studyExamination Session and Year Name of module being examined Name of main examiner, head of school and external examiner Date and time of examination Instructions to Candidates Examination Code – For internal use

The Day of the Exam  Arrive at the location of the examination well in advance  Make sure you have both student card and examination number with you  In the main reception area a list of all examinations being sat on that day and their physical location will be listed  On entering your exam centre you will be directed to a desk  Each candidate will be given a blue answer book  Record your examination number on the cover of this book (and any additional books you request during the exam)  Record the name of the examination you are sitting  Remember to tick the boxes of the questions you answer during the exam  When the exam starts you will be given a copy of the paper  Make sure it is the correct paper for you – the programme is correct, the name of the module is correct and the examiner is correct  READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES  Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it  Extra answer books are available and must be included inside your blue answer book  At the end of the exam make sure you hand up all written material

During the exam  Read all the questions before writing any answers  Decide which questions you are going to do  Allocate a set amount of time to answer each question and stick to it  When answering a question if you run over this time move on  You will get more marks for answer two questions partially than one in full  MAKE SURE YOU ARE ANSWERING THE QUESTION ASKED  Look at the any words in italics or bold font – these are clues to what the examiner is looking for  Look at the number of marks allocated to each part of the question  A 10 mark question will demand more effort than a 5 mark question – it would be silly to write 2 pages in answer to a 5 mark question and only a paragraph in answer to a 10 mark question  Allocate some time at the end of the exam to read back over your answers and make sure you have answered the questions asked

After the exam  Don’t stress yourself out by comparing the answers you provided with those of others.  Draw a line under it and move on to the next exam.  Immediately after the exam take some time to relax and re-focus before tackling the preparation for another exam.  After your last exam you should reward yourself for getting through the examination process.  Take time to relax before you have to tackle the next semester or the next major task you have.

General Tips  Be Prepared  Make sure you know what you are expected to know  Make sure you know how you will be examined  If you are unsure - ask  Plan for the time you will have in the exam  Allocate time at the start to read the paper and use this to calm yourself  Use your time as planned  Leave time at the end to review the paper  During the exam  Read the paper  Read all the questions first, don’t just start answering the first one you know the answer to part of  Read the instructions  Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it  Read the questions  Make sure you know what you are being asked – if you are unsure ask the invigilator  Answer the questions asked  Don’t be afraid to take time to plan your answers  Sketch the main points