Angela ZanardelliLearning Specialist

Academic Success Center Wayne State University

au1072@wayne.edu

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 StudyBy 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 ExamsFirst, skim the test to get a feel of the

layout and what is expectedNext, answer the questions you know

first to help boost confidenceKnow 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 problemsTip- 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 anxietyFirst 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 16th, 2006 from http://palc.sd40.bc.ca/palc/index.htm

Reducing Test Taking Anxiety (n.d.) Retrieved March 16th, 2006 from www.testtakingtips.com

Richardson, J. (2006). Ahead of the Pack. Delmar Learning. Clifton Park, New York.

Studying Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20th, 2006 from http://www.soundfeelings.com/free/studying.htm

Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety (1997-2006). Retrieved March 20th, 2006 from http://www.mathpower.com/reduce.htm

DCLAE Exam Preparation Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27th 2006 from www.drexel.edu/dclae/academicresources/exam_taking/learn.htm#TF

Biology Learning Center Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28th, 2006 from www.ch.cornell.edu/campus/learn/study20%skills20% content/biotips.com