1. Test Taking: 1 Like it or not, final exams are just around the corner. It’s never to early to start studying! How prepared will you be? Use these tips to help ease the pain that finals week can bring.

3. Why is the final exam so important?

5. Realistic Study Schedule

6. Effective Use of Resources (office hours, tutorial room, etc.)

8. So, What Can You Do for Finals? Spend enough time reviewing and mastering the material Aim for 100% mastery Use office hours for clarification Use the Study Cycle with Intense Study Sessions 5

10. Phase Two: Go to Class. Listen actively, take notes, participate in class

11. Phase Three: Review and process class notes as soon as possible after class

12. Phase Four: Incorporate Intense Study Sessions

13. Repeat6

16. 10 minutes Take a break

17. Repeat7

18. 8

20. Use The Study Cycle

21. Utilize Intensive Study Sessions

22. Frequent Reviews9

23. Exam Preparation Stage II 1 – 2 Weeks Before the Exam Plan Final Exam Review Aim for 100% Mastery!!! Construct Practice Exam with Friends Locate Exam Room Double check time of exam Eat Well, Sleep Well, and Exercise Visualize Success! 10

24. Survey the Task Gather Information from... instructor text lecture notes to answer the following questions: 1. What will the test cover? 2. Is it comprehensive or non-comprehensive? 3. What kinds of questions will be used? 4. How many questions (of each type)? 5. Where/when will the test be given? 6. Will I need any special test materials? 11

26. Schedule time for fun

27. Schedule time for consolidation12

28. Examination Schedule 13

29. Study Schedule - Task Oriented Monday Thursday Chemistry Chemistry 2 Tuesday Friday EnglishPhysics Wednesday Basic MathematicSaturday Calculus 1 14

30. Organize The Information Prepare charts or summary sheets Integrate notes with text information Make concept maps Predict test questions Memorize, create mnemonics Aim for 100% mastery! 15

32. Over learn

33. Preview/review frequently

34. RECITE and WRITE!

35. Learn in as many ways/modalities as possible Visually, kinesthetically, by association, organization (e.g. outline or map), study group…

36. Focus attention – lose the cell phone dependency!

37. Schedule time for assimilation

38. Learn a variety of ways to trigger memory16

39. Review Lecture notes and textbook notes Study Sheets and study group notes Self-tests Flash Cards Old exams (retake them!) 17

40. Exam Preparation Stage III Day of the Exam Calmly rehearse facts, formulas, ideas Perform deep breathing to relax Use positive self-talk Arrive at the exam room a few minutes early; not too early! Visualize success! 18

41. Exam Preparation Stage IV During the Exam Perform deep breathing to relax; use positive self-talk Write down formulas on exam before you begin Read the directions VERY carefully; listen for additional directions; ask for clarification Survey the exam and budget your time Share what you know! And you know it all!!! Expect memory blocks Visualize success! 19

42. Exam Preparation Stage V After the Exam Plan Leave the area promptly; don’t talk about the test Let it go! Reward yourself for your hard work Resume preparation for next examination or celebrate that all your exams are over! If your final grade is lower than you expected, ask to see your final exam at beginning of the next term. There may have been a grading mistake. 20

43. General Test-Taking Strategies Relax. Look at the test. Read the directions When you are stuck, move on! Ask for clarification Learn from the test. Concentrate despite distractions. Proofread your work 21

44. Strategies for Science and Mathematic Examinations Develop a list of types of problems Develop problem solving protocols (steps for solving types of problems) Develop a practice test with randomly arranged problems Practice solving problems quickly 22

46. Don’t look for answer patterns.

47. Honor exceptions to the rule.

49. Strategies for Essay Questions Reflect the question in opening sentence. Write like a reporter. Don’t bluff. Write legibly. Be careful in use of humor. Proofread Anticipate essay questions. Read carefully. Analyze the question. Map your ideas. Create an outline. 25

50. Test Preparation : Long-term Strategies Pace yourself. Commit to a study group. Compare perspectives. Share hunches. Rotate special assignments. 26

51. Test Preparation : Self-Testing Self-Testing Take practice test Use textbooks and notes to predict exam questions. Use Study Aids Create test-like conditions Create flashcards Create mnemonic devices Record your notes Create study checklists 27

52. Test Preparation 28 Test Preparation Use Study Techniques Balance Life Get Organized Class Material Time Physical Spiritual Emotional Intellectual Social Continuous Process of Learning Intense Study Sessions Concept Mapping 1.goal 2.50 minutes 3.break 4.REVIEW 1.preview 2.Class 3.Review 4Intense Study Session REPEAT

53. Reducing Test Anxiety Plan What you will need to study When you will study To study the material over several days Study In a well lit area at the same time each day In an area free from distraction Extra sources if possible to enhance your understanding 29

54. Reducing Test Anxiety: Do’s & Dont’s Don’t Over-study Study up to the last minute Wait until the day before the test to ask seek help Do Get enough sleep Eat a starch or fruit Get there early Bring extras Bring a watch Take a deep breath Positive Self-talk Pace yourself Answer each question Avoid drug use! 30

55. Mistakes to Avoid! Letting the time “sneak up” on you Basing your judgment of knowledge on your short term memory Letting others derail your study schedule Aiming for less than 100% mastery Failing to believe in yourself!!!

56. If you think you can, you will! If you think you can’t, you’re right. I KNOW you can! Unlock your excellence!!! 32

57. Q & A There is no success in efficiently completing hundreds of unnecessary tasks 33