|
Increasing Test Strategies
Preparing for the test:
1. Find out what material the exam will cover, the format of the test (i.e., multiple choice, essay), and prioritize the material you need to review.
2. Use as many study strategies as possible: note cards, outlines, diagrams and pictures, talking with friends about materials, and self-testing.
3. Make sure you understand the material before you memorize it.
4. If you have to cram, accept that you can't learn everything. Start by reviewing key concepts and sections you already understand well. If time, think about examples.
5. Tips for different kinds of exams:
a) For essay exams predict the types of questions you might be asked and develop outlines for your answers.
b) For problem solving exams review all homework and solve extra problem sets in your text book.
c) For open book exams prepare as if it were a closed book exam and use post-it notes for tabs in your text so you can easily access material.
d) For take home exams make sure you schedule enough time to complete the exam; gather all of your resources together so you don't waste time trying to find material.
Taking the test:
6. Listen for any oral directions, read written directions carefully, and underline key words in the instructions.
7. Survey the entire test to get a feel for its order and content. Note the point values for the various sections and allocate time to spend on each section appropriately.
8. Utilize information and insights you acquired in working through the entire test to go back and answer earlier items where you were uncertain.
9. When reviewing your answers, if you were fairly certain you were correct the first time leave the answer as it is.
10. Tips for different kinds of exam questions:
a) For problem solving questions make sure you show all your work so you can get partial credit; write down equations you will need and then plug in the given data and solve for the remaining variable.
b) For true-false questions read the question and see if it makes sense as it stands; think of reasons why the statement would be true or false.
c) For matching questions read both columns first, define key words, complete the easy ones first and use a process of elimination.
d) For essay questions remember to take time to think, make notes, and prepare a rough outline before you begin to write the essay. Include an introductory statement, supporting evidence and a summary statement. Read through your answer to make sure you have answered what is asked.
e) For multiple choice questions read the question followed by each option and eliminate the incorrect choices. When your options include "all the above," "none of the above," or "a, b, not c", treat each option as a true-false question and relate it back to the original question.
|
